NELFUND student loan application portal launches

The NELFUND student loan application portal launches on May 24.

A spokesman for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Nasir Ayitogo, stated, “The management of NELFUND, led by its Managing Director,

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, is thrilled to announce the 24th of May, 2024 as the official date for the opening of the portal for student loan applications.”

“Students can now access loans through the portal to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints,” stated NELFUND.

The statement went on, “Students can easily submit their loan applications through the portal’s user-friendly interface.”

“We urge all qualified students to use this chance to make an investment in their future and advance the expansion and advancement of our country.

“Students can start the application process by visiting the portal at http://nelf.gov.ng.”

A “significant milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (GCFR) commitment to fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students,” the statement read.

The National Students Loan Amendment bill was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on April 3.

In June 2023, Tinubu first signed the student loan bill into law with the intention of providing financial aid to Nigerian students enrolled in postsecondary education institutions.

Although the bill was signed earlier, there have been obstacles to its implementation, which have caused delays.

Following independent reviews by the National Assembly’s two chamber committees on tertiary institutions and the TETFund, this signing took place.

“First and foremost, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their expeditious handling of this bill considering the children of

Nigeria, that education is the tool to fight poverty effectively,” the president stated after signing the legislation.

“We are committed to making sure that education has the appropriate focus required for the nation, including initiatives for skill development.

This is to guarantee that everyone has access to high-quality education and opportunities to develop their future, regardless of how impoverished their background may be.

“We all received assistance and education, which is why we are here. Many of our children have dropped out of college and forfeited their opportunities in the past.

That is no longer the case; as long as you are a citizen of Nigeria, you can apply the standard and the control regardless of who you are.

On April 5, President Tinubu selected the Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s management team after signing the students loan bill into law.

Frederick Oluwafemi Akinfala and Mustapha Iyal were appointed Executive Directors of Finance & Administration and Operations, respectively, while

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr was named Managing Director/CEO.

On April 26, the President nominated Mr. Jim Ovia to the position of Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).