President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jim Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank and a renowned businessman, as the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
The decision was announced in a statement from the State House titled ‘President Tinubu appoints Jim Ovia as Chairman of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund,’ released on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.
Ovia, known for his significant contributions to the banking sector and youth empowerment, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
The statement highlighted Ovia’s achievements, stating that he is “the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.”
Furthermore, it noted his educational background, mentioning that “He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.”
The National Student Loan Programme, which aims to ensure sustainable higher education and skill development for Nigerian students, will be implemented through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. This initiative requires individuals of exceptional professionalism to oversee its operations.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ovia’s ability to advance the mission of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, stating that he believes Ovia “will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds.”
Additionally, Ovia’s appointment aligns with the goal of providing Nigerian youths with access to higher education and skills necessary for their productivity and contribution to the knowledge-based global economy of the 21st century.