The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has received an overwhelming response since opening its portal for student loan applications last Friday, with over 60,000 applications submitted in just six days. This was announced by NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Sawyerr revealed that out of the 60,000 applications, 30,000 students have successfully completed the process to access the loan. Additionally, the NELFUND website has recorded over 9.5 million hits, highlighting the high demand for financial assistance among Nigerian students.
“The extraordinary surge in applications is a testament to the critical need for financial assistance amongst students,” Sawyerr stated.
He commended the majority of federal institutions for their cooperation, noting that over 90 percent have submitted their students’ data to NELFUND. However, he urged the remaining two federal universities and five federal polytechnics to expedite their submissions to ensure all eligible students can access the fund’s support.
The managing director also announced that NELFUND will start accepting applications from students at state-owned tertiary institutions on June 25, 2024. He encouraged these institutions to submit their students’ data promptly to facilitate a smooth application process.
Beyond financial aid, Sawyerr emphasized the importance of equipping youths with practical skills. “Six months from today, we will launch a comprehensive skill acquisition programme, providing training in various vocational and technical fields,” he said. This program aims to prepare students for the modern job market and foster entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
Sawyerr praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and vision, and he acknowledged the dedication of all stakeholders, including the media and the NELFUND team, for their efforts in making a significant impact on the lives of Nigerian students.