- Calls For Revolving Student Fund
By Rose Oranye
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, on Tuesday, commended members of the Students Development Programme, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, for initiating “Gratitude Today, Purpose Tomorrow", a programme aimed at equipping youths with skills for life after university.
Speaking when he received a delegation of the Students Development Programme, COOU, Igbariam Campus, led by its Programme Coordinator, Blessed Uwaoma Chituru, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka, Mefor noted that gratitude was central to both scripture and Igbo culture.
“‘Gratitude Today, Purpose Tomorrow’ makes a lot of sense: gratitude today paves the way for a better tomorrow. I agree. Even in scriptures and in our culture, gratitude is encouraged. There’s an Igbo adage about gratitude. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way and opens doors,” he said.
He tied the students’ agenda to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s policies, like the School Adoption Programme adopted by the State Executive Council, the free education policy from kindergarten to senior secondary, “1 Youth 2 Skills", and the Solution Innovation District for digital skills. He urged the students to tap into the “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” initiative of Governor Soludo, which has trained nearly 300,000 youths for free and is aiming to train 700,000 more.
While describing the students’ effort as “very noble", Mefor suggested a more sustainable model: a revolving, interest-free fund for student entrepreneurs, managed by the university's Student Affairs.
“For me, there ought to be a revolving fund. Students could access ₦50,000, ₦100,000, or even less—interest-free—so when they return it, someone else can take it. That way it becomes a serious policy," he said.
He also stressed accountability in managing funds and cautioned them not to let the initiative distract them from their primary goal of academic success.
Addressing the commissioner, Chituru said the programme scheduled for August 15, 2026, at the ETF Auditorium, COOU Igbariam, was inspired by the struggles Nigerian students face.
“We have a program titled ‘Gratitude Today, Purpose Tomorrow.' We are here to present the programme and seek your support so we can give our participants a beautiful programme that day,” he said.
He explained that the programme targets young individuals and students, providing career development, orientation, and interactive sessions with guest speakers, adding that another focus is student entrepreneurship, as many run small businesses on campus to support themselves but lack visibility and capital.
Post a Comment