Alhaji Idi Farouk, former Director-General of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency (NOA), has applauded the Federal Government’s education loan initiative as a major milestone in improving access to higher education, while also calling for a shake-up in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Farouk praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which was launched in 2024 following the passage of a revised Student Loans Bill. He described the fund as a “game changer” for students and their families.
“This is a fantastic programme that has already begun easing the financial stress on parents. But more needs to be done to raise awareness, especially in underserved communities,” Farouk said.
He noted that many Nigerians, himself included, only became aware of the fund after seeing a media appearance by the agency’s Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr. “Sawyerr impressed me. He clearly knows what he’s doing – he’s the right man for the job,” he added.
Farouk stressed the importance of information campaigns to ensure the fund reaches those who need it most, especially students in rural areas who may be eligible but unaware.
Turning to the broader political landscape, Farouk avoided direct evaluation of President Tinubu but instead appraised his cabinet. He praised Wike and Keyamo for their visible improvements in Abuja and the aviation sector respectively, while expressing disappointment in other areas, including the defence and policing ministries and the Central Bank.
“The state of our economy is worrying. The naira is unstable, and inflation is soaring,” he noted. He also highlighted the dire state of federal road infrastructure, pointing to Kaduna as a case in point.
On the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Farouk questioned the bidding process but stopped short of condemning the project’s purpose. “History often judges infrastructure differently. The Egyptian pyramids were once seen as a waste but today are a key source of tourism revenue,” he said.
He further urged a full performance review of government appointees, stressing the need for capable hands to implement policies effectively. “The president must take stock and replace those who are underperforming if progress is to be achieved,” he said.
Commenting on recent national honours awarded by Tinubu, Farouk said such decisions fall well within the president’s rights, regardless of timing or public sentiment.
