‘FG receives 350,000 applications, disburses N10b in student loan’

Sawyerr: NELFUND committed to release N90b in tuition fees

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, yesterday said the Fund has received over 350,000 applications and disbursed over N10 billion so far, with a commitment to disburse N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends.

He also said the scheme was inclusive and not discriminatory in its disbursements. He made this known at a maiden meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Sawyerr said the scheme was inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve. He said the Fund had also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind, particularly the South East. He said significant progress had been made in engaging these communities, with series of sensitisation in the region, resulting in a surge in applications.

“Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities. Moreover, we are focused on addressing barriers to girl-child education, recognising that denying girls opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential.

“With 70% of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide access to education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence. This intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time.”

The NELFUND boss remarked that the scheme would be all inclusive as every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, would have access to the education they deserve.

Stating that he have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind- particularly the South East, he disclosed that his outfit have made significant progress in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications.

He said so far, the Fund has received over 350,000 applications and disbursed over N10 billion, with a commitment to disbursing N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends.

He said, “Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities. Moreover, we are focused on addressing the barriers to girl-child education, recognizing that denying girls the opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential.

“With 70% of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide access to education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence. This intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time.

“This administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has introduced many brilliant policies, and the student loan initiative is one that hits closest to home. It is reaching every corner of the nation-East, West, North, and South.

“This policy is not discriminatory; it is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.