Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off the student loan by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Launching the initiative during the Edo State Ministry of Education and stakeholders engagement session at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, harped on the need for the NELFUND project to be given increased access to students in higher institutions.

Idahosa thanked President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, noting that it will lift the financial burden on students and families of Edo State.

Idahosa stated that accessing a loan is a simple step away for prospective students (loanees) as the NELFUND loans create no barriers to any higher educational qualification.

While urging Nigerian students to take advantage of the scheme, Idahosa stressed that the Edo State Government will continue to partner with NELFUND to make tertiary education accessible and affordable to students in the state-owned tertiary education institutions.

The Edo State Deputy Governor further noted that the initiative is a huge relief for both parents and students who are into self-sponsorship, emphasising that with the NELFUND loans, the worries of school fees will be a thing of the past.

Earlier, Edo State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, noted that every Nigerian is eligible to access the facility, underscoring the role of education in placing every child at par with children from other parts of the world.

The Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, commended President Bola Tinubu for his vision, courage, and commitment to implementing the NELFUND. He thanked Okpebholo for ensuring that the NELFUND opportunity is prioritised in Edo State.