Mr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access bank PLC says the bank has created a special loan grant for indigent students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The GMD also approved initial deposit of zero naira as against N2,000 for students of the university to open account with the bank.
Wigwe, an alumnus of the university, made the disclosure in Nsukka on Tuesday while addressing some students at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the university.
He said that only students who had accounts with the bank would benefit from the loan facility.
The GMD made it clear that the benefiting students were expected to repay the loan after graduation.
“It is only students that opened account with Access Bank that are qualified to benefit from the special loan and other students loan facilities.
“I made the initial account deposit of zero Naira for UNN students against the N2,000 for opening of account on Access bank so that they will bank with us and enjoy many benefits of the bank,” he said
Wigwe, who graduated from the UNN 31 years ago, promised to build a new male hostel for the university as well as renovate the dilapidated Zik’s flats to help solve accommodation problem in the institution.
“These gestures are part of my contributions to the institution that moulded me as well as one of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
“I am always proud to tell people that I am a graduate of UNN because the university is known for academic excellence,” he said.
Wigwe advised students to take their studies seriously if they want to make it in life pointing out that there was no short-cut to success.
“If you want to be successful in life, you must work hard, be focused and shun distractions from any quarter,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof Benjamin Ozumba thanked Wigwe for his kind gestures to the university describing it as an `eloquent testimony’ that he loved his alma mater.
“Government alone cannot fund education, what the GMD has done today is to assist government in providing infrastructure to enhance quality education in tertiary institutions.
“By the time he completes the hostels, problem of accommodation will be half solved,” the VC said. (NAN)