NELFUND Urges Students to Embrace Loan Scheme, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Accessibility
The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr has called on Nigerian students to take full advantage of the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme, describing it as a historic initiative aimed at making higher education accessible to all, regardless of financial background.
The MD made this appeal during a Student Loan Sensitization Program organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Porthacourt on Thursday.
In his address, the NELFUND MD emphasized the scheme’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.
He highlighted that the loan scheme is not just a financial aid but an investment in the future of Nigerian students, allowing them to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints.
“The NELFUND Student Loan Scheme was conceived to ensure that every Nigerian student can access higher education without financial hindrance,” the MD stated.
“This initiative is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision of empowering the youth to become the architects of our nation’s future.”
The MD provided details on the loan scheme, explaining that it covers both tuition fees and living expenses, with repayment terms designed to be fair and manageable.
He also assured students that loan repayment would only begin two years post-NYSC, provided they have secured employment or started a business.
Addressing concerns about delays in loan disbursement, the NELFUND MD acknowledged the challenges but assured students that these were being addressed to improve the system’s efficiency.
He urged students to be patient and to ensure their loan applications are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
He also lauded NANS and other student unions for their advocacy and collaboration in shaping the student loan scheme, urging them to continue providing feedback to enhance the initiative.
The also MD reiterated NELFUND’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every eligible student benefits from the loan scheme.
He called on students to remain engaged, united, and focused on their educational goals, as the future of Nigeria rests in their hands.
The sensitization program, attended by Rivers state governor, Sim Fubara and other student representatives from various tertiary institutions across the country, was part of ongoing efforts by NELFUND to educate students on the loan scheme and address their concerns directly.