NELFUND calls student leaders to help raise awareness, take full ownership of the scheme
By: Admin
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on student leaders across various tertiary institutions to take full ownership of the interest-free education loan scheme.
The Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, made the call at the Stakeholders Engagement Session & Technical Workshop attended by Student Union Presidents of tertiary institutions and officials of the National Association of Nigerians NANS, in Abuja.
Mr. Sawyerr, who said NELFUND was fully committed to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for all Nigerian students to thrive, no matter their background, called on students to collaborate with the agency to enhance the positive impact of the scheme.
“To make this work, we need you. Your voice. Your leadership. Your engagement on campus. Help us raise awareness, refine our processes, and ensure that this scheme reaches every student it was designed to serve,” he said.
He stated that the event aligned deeply with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was rooted in inclusion, empowerment, and a renewed commitment to education as a national priority.
The President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Ladoja warned institutions and individuals allegedly sabotaging the federal government’s student loan scheme.
Comrade Ladoja said the association had set up a five-man investigative committee to probe growing concerns over the disbursement and accountability of the loan funds.
We got information that there are issues in NELFUND—cases where the fund claims to have paid institutions, but schools failed to notify the students.
“This cannot be allowed to continue. Our committee will engage NELFUND directly, we will visit the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to verify their findings, and we will get to the bottom of this,” he said.
On concerns about repayment of the Loan, the Executive Director of Operations, NELFUND, Iyal Mustapha assured students that repayment would only begin two years after completing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and if the graduate is employed.
In cases of death or verified permanent disability, he said the loan would be forgiven.
