Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) a landmark initiative for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The governor offered his full backing for the programme, promising to drive student enrolment in the state to ensure maximum benefit from the interest-free financing scheme.
A Pledge for State-Wide Mobilisation
Aiyedatiwa made this commitment while hosting the management team of NELFUND, led by its Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr, during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure. This meeting formed part of the agency's first official tour of the South-West region for the year 2026.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the scheme, which was signed into law on April 4, 2025. He stated that NELFUND perfectly complements existing bursaries and scholarships by creating an additional channel for educational funding.
Bridging the Financial Gap for Students
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, while scholarships and bursaries are non-repayable grants, the loan scheme is designed to cover additional fees and fill financial shortfalls. "You can no longer say your parents are poor or that nobody is helping you. The government has created a platform for everyone to have access to a university degree," he asserted.
He emphasised that the programme ensures no Nigerian youth is barred from university education due to poverty or lack of support. To boost participation, the governor announced that his administration would ramp up sensitisation campaigns, particularly targeting students in public tertiary institutions.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, a former vice-chancellor, to leverage his experience and effectively spread awareness across campuses.
NELFUND's Operational Model and Call for Data
Governor Aiyedatiwa also urged NELFUND to adopt a data-centric strategy. He suggested comparing institutional enrolment figures with the number of students successfully accessing the loan. This approach, he noted, would help assess the scheme's performance, pinpoint gaps, and guide future awareness efforts.
In his remarks, Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr explained that the loan scheme is a direct response to Nigeria's large youth population and the historically low access to tertiary education. He outlined the application process and benefits:
- Applications are submitted online without requiring personal connections or guarantors.
- Institutional fees are paid directly to the beneficiary's school.
- Successful applicants also receive a personal stipend.
- Repayment commences two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
- Deductions are income-based, making the programme non-punitive.
Sawyerr stated that the visit aimed to secure the support of the Ondo State Government to build public confidence and encourage participation. He presented a progress report to the governor for review and feedback.
The Ondo State government's endorsement marks a significant step in expanding the reach of the NELFUND scheme, potentially unlocking educational opportunities for thousands of students in the state and setting a precedent for others to follow.
