Regina Otokpa 
…sensitises Kebbi state govt on student loan programme
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has said students from 22 state owned tertiary could now apply for loans on its portal.
This brings the total number of state owned institutions cleared for their students to access the Federal Government loan to 108, as 86 institutions had already been cleared.
The FUND on its official X handle on Wednesday, said a review by the committee responsible for the Student Verification System (SVS), was instrumental to the new development.
Meanwhile, the management of NELFUND in a bid to expand access to education, on Wednesday participated in a crucial sensitization meeting organized by the Kebbi State Government.
A statement signed by Nasir Ayitogo
for the Director, Corporate Communications, NELFUND, explained that the meeting was aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of NELFUND’s student loan programme.
Managing Director/CEO, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr in his address, emphasized the critical role of NELFUND in bridging the financial gap for Nigerian students seeking higher education.
He elaborated on the fund’s objectives, highlighting that NELFUND was established with a clear mandate: to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied the opportunity to obtain a quality education due to financial constraints.
He said; “NELFUND’s mission is simple yet profound—to make education accessible to all by providing financial support to students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“The NELFUND Student Loan is a government-backed initiative designed to offer interest-free loans that cover tuition fees and living expenses, thereby alleviating the financial burden on students and their families.”
Sawyerr took the opportunity to delve into specific areas of the loan programme that had raised questions among stakeholders, such as the application process, repayment terms, criteria for institutional onboarding, and the overall objectives of the fund.
Stressing the importance of institutional cooperation in the success of the loan scheme, the NELFUND boss urged heads of institutions present at the meeting to ensure timely submission of student data, which was crucial for processing loan applications efficiently.
He assured the stakeholders that NELFUND would continue to work closely with the state and its institutions, with plans to return in the near future to present cheques to benefiting students and institutions.
Kebbi state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isa Abubakar Tugga, expressed his appreciation for NELFUND’s efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the student loan program reach every deserving student in Kebbi.
