Muhammad Isa Qaari: From Car Washer to NELFUND Ambassador

…NELFUND did not only support my educational journey; it inspired me to become a voice for other students.

For Muhammad Isa Qaari, a graduate of Bayero University, Kano, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) represents far more than a student financing programme. It is a symbol of hope, opportunity and the power of giving young people a chance to overcome financial barriers. Having grown up in a humble family, struggled to afford basic educational needs and worked hard to remain in school, Qaari says his encounter with NELFUND transformed not only his perspective on education but also inspired his commitment to helping other Nigerian students.

In a personal testimony addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Qaari recounted his difficult upbringing, his determination to acquire an education and how the establishment of NELFUND under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became a source of inspiration for his advocacy and service to students.

Qaari disclosed that he came from a humble family background. His father, a teacher earning approximately ₦60,000 to ₦70,000 monthly, also cultivated three farms in their community to support the family.

His educational journey began at Zango Primary School and Zango Junior Secondary School, both in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, before proceeding to Government Unity College, Birnin Kudu.

Even as a secondary school student, he understood the financial sacrifices required to secure an education. To reduce the burden on his family, he began washing cars for small amounts ranging from ₦300 to ₦500.

Despite the modest earnings, he carefully managed his money, sometimes setting aside as little as ₦15 for personal needs while saving towards his educational ambitions.

His challenges continued after gaining admission into Bayero University, Kano, in 2020. Following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he commenced lectures in 2021, but financial difficulties made university life particularly challenging.

He recalled struggling to afford accommodation, transportation, food and other academic expenses. At one point, unable to pay the full hostel accommodation fee of approximately ₦36,000, he could only make an initial payment of ₦15,000.

Determined not to abandon his education, Qaari combined his studies with work. He secured an opportunity to teach Islamic knowledge to the children of the Chairman of Jujilabu Superstores at Jambulo, Kano State, earning ₦10,000 monthly alongside food support.

He usually attended to the teaching engagement after his university activities, arriving around 7 p.m. and continuing until approximately 10 p.m.

There were occasions when he attended lectures without enough money to buy food. Nevertheless, he remained determined to complete his education.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced NELFUND as an intervention to improve access to higher education, Qaari said he immediately recognised its potential to support students whose academic ambitions were threatened by financial difficulties.

His interest in the Fund led him to engage with NELFUND officers at Bayero University, Kano. Initially, he approached the office with concerns and complaints like other students. However, his relationship with the officers gradually developed, and he began helping fellow students communicate their challenges and obtain relevant information.

As more students approached him with concerns involving applications, payment issues, email challenges, changes of institution and other administrative matters, he took the initiative to document and forward their complaints to the appropriate NELFUND departments.

One of his most memorable experiences was the Managing Director’s sensitisation visit to Bayero University, Kano. Recognising the importance of the engagement, Qaari mobilised students from different classes to attend, giving them an opportunity to understand the Fund and communicate their concerns directly to its leadership.

He said he was particularly encouraged by the Managing Director’s willingness to listen to students and his commitment to ensuring that their complaints received attention.

His student-support activities subsequently extended beyond Bayero University, with communication channels established to assist students from other institutions, including the University of Maiduguri.

At another point, when several complaints remained unresolved, Qaari organised a team and, with assistance from a friend in the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), secured transportation to visit the NELFUND office in Abuja.

During the visit, they presented outstanding complaints to relevant officials. He recalled that the Managing Director personally acknowledged their submissions and assured them of appropriate follow-up.

According to him, his motivation throughout these engagements was never financial reward but the desire to ensure that students did not lose valuable educational opportunities because of challenges that could be addressed.

Having successfully graduated from Bayero University, Kano, Qaari reflected on his journey with gratitude, describing NELFUND as a programme that represents hope for struggling families, opportunities for disadvantaged students and a chance for young Nigerians to fulfil their ambitions.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the initiative and commended the NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, alongside the entire management and staff for their contributions to the Fund’s operations.

He specifically acknowledged the Client Support Services Department, Audit Department, Operations Department, Communications and Strategic Information team, technical advisers, desk officers and other staff members whose work, he said, has helped advance NELFUND’s objectives.

In a particularly moving reflection, Qaari explained that the programme’s impact on his life went beyond educational support.

A young man who once struggled to afford food, accommodation and transportation had become someone other students could approach for assistance with their educational challenges.

NELFUND has not only contributed to my educational journey; it has also inspired me to become an advocate for other students, he stated.

As a NELFUND Ambassador, Qaari reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Nigerian students and contributing, within his capacity, to the success of the Fund.

He said his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing students receive assistance, resolve their challenges and continue their education.

His story offers a compelling human-interest perspective on the importance of student financing: beyond the applications, disbursements and institutional records are individual journeys, personal sacrifices and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

For Muhammad Isa Qaari, NELFUND has become part of a story that began with hardship, grew through determination and has evolved into a commitment to service.