The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that over 60,000 students from federal tertiary institutions have registered on its portal to apply for loans. This was revealed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintinde Sawyerr, during a press conference in Abuja.
The student loan portal was opened last Friday, allowing students from 126 tertiary institutions, including federal universities, federal polytechnics, and federal colleges of education, to submit their loan applications. Sawyerr also mentioned that over 90% of federal institutions of higher learning have already submitted their students’ data to NELFUND. He urged the remaining two federal universities and five federal polytechnics to expedite the process so that all eligible students can access the financial support provided by the Fund.
Furthermore, Sawyerr announced that the NELFUND portal will be opened for students in state-owned tertiary institutions on June 25, 2024. He emphasized the importance of state institutions promptly submitting their students’ data to ensure a smooth and seamless application process.
In addition to providing financial assistance, NELFUND recognizes the significance of equipping young people with practical, market-relevant skills. Sawyerr revealed that in six months, NELFUND will launch a comprehensive skills acquisition program, offering training in various vocational and technical fields. This program aims to prepare students to meet the demands of the modern job market, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth.
The overwhelming response from students applying for loans through the NELFUND portal demonstrates the urgent need for financial assistance among the student population. NELFUND remains committed to addressing this demand and helping students pursue their higher education goals.
