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…Says agency Committed to Non-Discriminatory Loan Scheme
By Christiana Ekpa
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, on Wednesday said the scheme was not discriminatory.
He said this during a maiden meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday.
Sawyerr said it was inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.
He said they have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind- particularly the South East.
The NELFUND MD said they 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.”
He said the Fund is an institution designed to bring succour to the common man, especially in these challenging economic times, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said it was not just a palliative for immediate relief but a long-term solution aimed at fostering stability and growth in a large and diverse nation like Nigeria.
