The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) may begin offering its student loan scheme to students in private tertiary institutions within the next three years, according to its Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
While the current focus is on pupils in public institutions, Sawyerr stated that plans are in place to eventually include students in private schools in the scheme during his remarks at a sensitisation and stakeholder engagement event in Enugu on Thursday.
The outreach event was conducted in local dialects to ensure better understanding and encourage greater participation across communities in the region.
Sawyerr said NELFUND has only been operational for a year and top priority right now is addressing the needs of students in public schools—many of whom are at risk of dropping out over relatively small financial shortfalls.
“Most of these students don’t have the option of transferring to private schools, so our immediate goal is to ensure they are fully supported,” he added.
Sawyerr stated that within two to three years, the agency would assess the program’s impact and consider expanding it to cover private institutions.
Addressing concerns about access, Sawyerr pointed out that many of the issues encountered are due to common misunderstandings, misinformation, or technological challenges.
“People sometimes assume the system is biased against them, but we’re here to help them navigate it and make sure institutions are involved too,” he stated.
Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, Special Adviser on Education Innovation to the Enugu State Governor, emphasised the importance of the loan scheme as a vital support system for students, especially in the Southeast.
“Education is a broad sector with many needs, and this initiative specifically supports students,” she said. “It’s crucial that our students in Enugu take advantage of this opportunity.”
She urged school leaders attending the event to return to their institutions and ensure that students are properly informed about how to apply.
