The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has launched a major sensitisation campaign in Enugu State to drive awareness and increase student participation in the federal government’s interest-free student loan scheme.
The NELFUND sensitisation programme was held at the Old Governor’s Lodge in Enugu State on Thursday, May 15, and was attended by heads of public and private tertiary institutions from over 30 schools across the state.
Leading the campaign was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, who noted that Enugu currently ranks 33rd out of Nigeria’s 36 states in student loan applications—a figure he described as concerning for a state with such a rich academic tradition.
Sawyerr stated that the low enrolment prompted a prior engagement with Governor Peter Mbah, who pledged his administration’s commitment to support the scheme and bolster vocational training across the state. “When the political will from both the federal and state governments aligns, the opportunity for impact is maximised,” he remarked.
Reiterating the programme’s student-friendly design, Sawyerr emphasised that the NELFUND loans are entirely interest-free and only repayable after a graduate secures employment. “If you’re not working, you don’t pay. This loan is not a trap; it’s a tool for empowerment,” he said. He further explained that the application process is fully automated, transparent, and technology-driven—ensuring equity and access without political interference.
Eligible students must be enrolled in government-approved institutions listed on the NELFUND portal, and applications require a JAMB registration number, admission letter, National Identification Number (NIN), and verified contact details. Tuition fees are paid directly to schools, while upkeep allowances go directly to students.
Also speaking at the event, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and SMEs and Director General of the Enugu SME Centre, acknowledged the state’s low enrolment figures and expressed the government’s resolve to turn the tide. “Over 30 institutions are represented here today. This is the first step toward full integration with the NELFUND digital system,” he said.
Chilo-Offiah also revealed plans to expand collaboration with NELFUND beyond tuition support, with a focus on skills development through initiatives such as the Fashion and Garment Hub, ICT centres, and vocational schools like the upgraded Government Technical College (GTC). “This is about building a skilled and employable youth population,” he added.
The two-day campaign featured top NELFUND officials, including the Executive Director of Operations, Head of Risk Management, and technical experts who met with stakeholders to address administrative bottlenecks affecting institutions and applicants.
Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, praised both the federal and state governments for the initiative. “Our Governor has allocated 33% of the state’s budget to education. That shows how much of a priority it is to him. We are also aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This programme is a game-changer.”
He urged Southeasterners to embrace the scheme. “These loans are part of our national cake. We are entitled to them and must take advantage of the opportunity,” he stated, while calling on the federal government to consider establishing a sub-regional NELFUND office in Enugu to ease access.
Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education and Director of Experiential Learning at the Enugu Smart Green School, echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of grassroots sensitisation. “The heads of institutions here today must return and continue the awareness drive. Students must understand how to apply and benefit. This is real. Other states are already accessing it, and we must ensure ours do too.”
She emphasised that the programme complements the state’s broader goals in education and contributes to national development through increased access.
