On Saturday, Anambra State students threw their weight behind Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second-term bid, contributing a total of N2 million to support his re-election. The endorsement came as students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Anambra State chapter, contributed sums ranging from N200 to N500 each to raise the amount. Their decision to support Soludo stems from his remarkable achievements across all sectors, particularly in education.
No doubt, Governor Chukwuma Soludo is securing and building the future of Anambra State through a strategic and comprehensive investment in education. Recognizing that education is the bedrock of societal progress, his administration has taken bold steps to ensure accessibility, affordability, and quality learning for all students in the state.
One of the most significant strides in this regard is the implementation of free education from nursery to senior secondary school. This policy has lifted a huge financial burden off parents and guardians, ensuring that every child has an opportunity to acquire foundational and secondary education without financial hindrance. Furthermore, Governor Soludo has employed 8,000 teachers to bridge the gap in the education sector, ensuring that students receive the best possible instruction from qualified professionals.
In his commitment to furthering educational opportunities, the governor is planning to extend free education to higher institutions. Recognizing the financial struggles faced by students in tertiary institutions, he has initiated plans to introduce bursary awards for Anambra State indigenous students. To facilitate this, his administration will commence the documentation of students within the year to ensure that the bursary scheme is effectively implemented.
Speaking on education, Governor Soludo expressed concern over the low number of applicants from the Southeast for the federal government’s student loan scheme. He noted that many students were unaware of this opportunity and pledged to collaborate with student leaders to disseminate necessary information, enabling them to benefit from the initiative.
Additionally, Governor Soludo assured students that his administration’s journey toward transformation has just begun. In a move to promote recreational and social development, he promised to grant students a subsidized rate at the upcoming Fun City once it becomes operational. He further emphasized that ongoing developmental projects in the state are attracting investors, which will, in turn, create more job opportunities for graduates.
As a passionate advocate of education, Governor Soludo has prioritized the refurbishment and construction of school facilities across the state. Understanding the housing challenges faced by tertiary students, he has vowed to engage landlords to negotiate reduced accommodation costs. Furthermore, his administration aims to create an enabling environment for investors to build hostels, ensuring affordable and quality housing for students while allowing investors to recover their investments over time.
Anambra State currently boasts the lowest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a testament to Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to education and ensuring that every child has access to quality learning opportunities.
The future benefits of Governor Soludo’s investment in education will be far-reaching. For individuals, access to quality education will empower students with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for self-development, leading to higher employability and financial stability. For the state, a well-educated population will drive economic growth, attract investments, and create a skilled workforce, making Anambra a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. On a national scale, the governor’s efforts will contribute to a more literate and productive society, reducing poverty and crime rates while fostering national development and global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the governor reassured students that once resources permit, free education will be extended to all categories of students in the state. His government remains steadfast in its commitment to easing the financial burdens on students and ensuring they have the necessary support to complete their education. By prioritizing education at all levels, Governor Soludo is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future for Anambra State and its people.
