The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced on Thursday that the student loan application portal will open on May 24, 2024.
“The management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), led by Managing Director Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, is excited to announce that the portal for student loan applications will officially open on May 24, 2024,” said NELFUND spokesman Nasir Ayitogo.
Through this portal, students can access loans to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers. “The portal offers a user-friendly interface for students to conveniently submit their loan applications,” the statement continued.
“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation. Students can access the portal at http://nelf.gov.ng to begin their applications.”
This development is a “significant milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.” President Tinubu signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law on April 3, following an initial signing of the student loan bill in June 2023. This bill aims to provide financial assistance to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
While the bill was signed earlier, its implementation has faced delays due to various challenges. The signing followed separate considerations by the National Assembly committees on tertiary institutions and TETFund.
After signing the bill, President Tinubu remarked, “First of all, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their swift handling of this bill, considering the importance of education in fighting poverty effectively.”
“We are determined to ensure that education receives the necessary attention in this country, including skills development programs. This ensures that no one, regardless of their background, is excluded from quality education and the opportunity to build their future.”
“We are here because we were all educated and supported. In the past, many of our children have had to drop out of college and give up opportunities. That will no longer be the case, as standards and controls are in place for all Nigerian citizens to apply.”
Following the bill’s signing, President Tinubu appointed the management team of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund on April 5. Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr was named Managing Director/CEO, with Mr. Frederick Oluwafemi Akinfala and Mr. Mustapha Iyal appointed as Executive Director of Finance & Administration and Executive Director of Operations, respectively. Mr. Jim Ovia was appointed as Chairman of the Board of NELFUND on April 26.
