In it’s determination to create equal access to education in the country ,the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund( NELFUND) has organised a Sensitisation program in Enugu , urging parents, the Academia, Traditional Rulers and students in the South East,Nigeria to key into the interest – free educational loan scheme.
Managing Director / Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr made the call , Thursday , in his speech at the ” Strategic Engagement and Sensitisation on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund ( NELFUND) scheme, held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
Sawyerr disclosed that Enugu currently ranks 33rd out of 36 states in students loan applications, lamenting that the situation called for concern for a state with a rich academic tradition.
He explained that the low enrolment in Enugu state, gave rise to the prior engagement with the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah. Sawyerr said Governor Mbah has a great passion for the welfare of the people of the state and assured his administration’s commitment to supporting the scheme. He noted that : “When the political will from both the federal and state governments aligns, the opportunity for impact is maximised.
Pix: NELFUND boss Sawyerr
He urged parents , the Academia, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to encourage their children and wards to apply for the loan, saying that the loan is zero interest and that nobody pays back the loan until two years after the National Youth Service Scheme when they must have been employed or been self employed.
Sawyer explained that ,” by then, they have a job It is the company that employes them that pays back 10% of their salaries. If the person lost his or her job, the payment of 10% stops.
According to Sawyer, NELFUND runs two programs, Academia,Vocational and Skills programs .It gives students financial access to education.
The NELFUND boss said they were Enugu to appeal to the people of the state to support the program and encourage them to key into the program
Explaining more on the paying back of the education loan, Sawyerr said: “If you’re not working, you don’t pay. This loan is not a trap; it’s a tool for empowerment. The application process is fully automated, transparent, and technology-driven, ensuring equity and access without political interference.”.
Speaking on the mode of application, the Managing Director/CEO said eligible students must be enrolled in government-approved institutions listed on the NELFUND portal. The age limit is 18 to 35 years. He added that applications require a JAMB registration number, admission letter, National Identification Number (NIN), and verified contact details.
Sawyerr said when an application is made to their website, via NELFUND portal , NELFUND verifies through the Institution . The institution verifies the students’status, pays the Tuition fees directly to schools. When payment is made , the institution notifies the students, upkeep allowance is set aside and N20,000 monthly allowances is paid to the students. He appealed for corporation.
Pix: Chilo -Offia
In his speech, Governor Mbah’s representative and Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and SMEs and Director General of the Enugu SME Centre, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, noted that Enugu state has low enrolment rate. He assured that the state government will turn it around . His words: “Over 30 institutions are represented here today. This is the first step toward full integration with the NELFUND digital system . This is about building a skilled and employable youth population,” he said.
Speaking , the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning Enugu state Smart Green schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyisi, urged the people of the state to embrace the program.
Pix: Dr. Onyisi
She stressed the importance of the Sensitisation program , saying, “The heads of institutions here today must return and continue the awareness drive. Students must understand how to apply and benefit. This is real. Other states are already accessing it, and we must ensure ours do too.”
According to Onyisi, the programme complements the Enugu state’s broader goals in education and contributes to national development through increased access.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, commended the federal and state governments for the initiative.
Pix: H.R.H Igwe Asadu
He said, “Our Governor has allocated 33% of the state’s budget to education. That shows how much of a priority it is to him. We are also aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This programme is a game-changer.”
Urging the people of the South zone to key into the program, the Royal father said, “These loans are part of our national cake. We are entitled to them and must take advantage of the opportunity’,
He called on the federal government to consider establishing a sub-regional NELFUND office in Enugu to creat an easy access.
Participants at the Two-Day campaign included heads of Higher institutions , traditional rurals, NELFUND team, among others. There was questions and answers session..
Earlier , the Vice -Chancellor, Enugu state University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof Aloysius Okorie, appealed to NELFUND and others who spoke at the event welcomed the scheme.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama