For many students facing financial barriers to tertiary education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is emerging as a critical lifeline, offering renewed hope for access to and continuity in higher institutions across the country.

The Managing Director of NELFund, Akintunde Sawyerr, stated this during an official visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in Akure. The visit formed part of the agency’s outreach aimed at strengthening awareness and participation in the federal government’s education loan scheme.

According to Sawyerr, the initiative is designed not only to ease the financial burden on parents but also to promote accountability and financial responsibility among students, while ensuring that economic disadvantage does not limit access to higher education.

He emphasised the need for increased campus-based sensitisation, data-driven monitoring of student enrolment and participation, and stronger collaboration between state governments and tertiary institutions to improve the reach and effectiveness of the scheme.

Sawyerr noted that significant funds have already been made available to institutions but uptake remains dependent on student applications.

“We have given institutions upwards of one billion naira in a single session, but if students do not apply, the funds cannot be utilized. There is a need for students to know that this interest-free scheme exists and to be encouraged to apply. Repayment only begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps,” he said.

NELFUND Impacting Students’ Lives and Choices

In his response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the education loan programme, describing it as a timely intervention to support indigent students. He assured that the Ondo State Government would intensify sensitisation efforts across public tertiary institutions in the state.

“It is a very good initiative. We encourage students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take advantage of this support for their own benefit,” the governor said.

The visit to Ondo State marked the commencement of NELFUND’s first South-West zonal engagement for 2026, as the agency continues efforts to expand awareness and improve access to the loan scheme nationwide.