NELFUND Boss Urges North Central Students to Access N303bn Student Loan Scheme

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has urged tertiary institution students across the North Central region to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with N303 billion already approved for disbursement to higher institutions.

Sawyerr disclosed this on Friday during the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North Central Zone, held at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He revealed that more than 850,000 Nigerians have so far benefited from the scheme, following the receipt of over one million applications by NELFUND.

According to him, the initiative, introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is designed to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent qualified Nigerians from accessing tertiary education.

Sawyerr urged students in the North Central region to apply for the loans, stressing that the process is entirely digital and applicants do not need political connections or personal contacts to access the scheme.

He said eligible students only need to visit the appropriate online platform, provide the required information and complete the application process.

> “You don’t need to know anybody to get this loan. You just have to go online and provide the information that confirms that you are qualified,” Sawyerr said.

He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon, for his efforts in strengthening communication between Nigerian students and the Federal Government.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director of University Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Kareem Lateef, said the student loan scheme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in Nigerian youths and preparing them for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.

Also speaking, Asefon urged student leaders to promote academic excellence, integrity, peaceful dialogue and peaceful coexistence within their institutions and communities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging students, listening to their concerns and creating platforms that would support their academic and economic advancement.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Mohammed Kida, said the programme demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to student development and meaningful engagement.

Participants at the event were drawn from tertiary institutions across the North Central geopolitical zone.