The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, has encouraged students across Nigeria’s North Central region to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, saying more than ₦303 billion has been disbursed to support higher education.
Speaking on Friday at the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North Central Zone held at the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, Sawyerr said the funding was approved by President Bola Tinubu over the past two years to improve access to tertiary education.
According to him, more than one million applications have been received under the scheme, with over 850,000 students already benefiting from the programme.
Sawyerr said the initiative was designed to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education. He noted that the scheme removes the financial burden from parents and students by providing eligible applicants with access to educational funding.
He said the President introduced NELFUND to ensure that young people are not denied educational opportunities simply because they lack financial support or come from low-income households.
The NELFUND chief also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for his efforts in promoting the programme and strengthening communication between students and the Federal Government.
He urged eligible students to apply through the online platform, stressing that the application process is entirely digital and does not require personal connections or influence.
Sawyerr advised prospective beneficiaries to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications, adding that all necessary information is available online.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Kareem Lateef, said the student loan scheme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in young Nigerians and preparing them for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.
Also speaking at the event, Asefon Sunday encouraged student leaders to promote integrity, academic excellence, dialogue and peaceful coexistence within their institutions and communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging students and supporting initiatives that enhance their academic, economic and social development.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Mohammed Kida, described the programme as further evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to student development and meaningful engagement.
