By Felix Khanoba
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), in collaboration with the National leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), held an awareness meeting with students of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, on Thursday to highlight the benefits of the Federal Government’s student loan initiative.
Leading the NELFund delegation was Managing Director, Dr. Akintunde Sawyyer, while the National President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, represented the student body during the event, which took place on the university campus.
Dr. Sawyyer explained that the primary goal of the session was to inform students about the substantial advantages of the student loan scheme, aimed at ensuring that every eligible student has access to quality tertiary education regardless of their financial circumstances.
He detailed the loan application process, emphasizing that NELFund has streamlined the procedure to ensure minimal human interference, ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity to access the loan.
Addressing concerns about loan repayment, Sawyyer reassured students that they would not face intimidation or harassment if they defaulted. “The loan is interest-free, and repayment only begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and securing employment,” he said. He further emphasized, “No one will be pursued for repayment unless they are employed. Do not allow financial constraints to stop you from achieving your educational goals.”
Sawyyer also highlighted that, in addition to covering full tuition fees, the loan includes monthly stipends for students to assist with their upkeep. “This is a fantastic opportunity for you to pursue education without financial stress,” he added.
NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, echoed these sentiments, encouraging the students to take full advantage of the loan and dispelling fears about its legitimacy. “This system is genuine and not limited to a privileged few, as some may believe. It is open to all students who express interest and submit the necessary details through the appropriate channels,” Emonefe assured.
Also addressing the students, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), emphasized the need for greater participation among students from the South East. “We cannot afford to be left behind. This loan is available to all Nigerian students, regardless of region, religion, or political views. If students in other regions are already benefiting, why should we hesitate?” she remarked.
EBSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, thanked NELFund for the sensitization effort and outlined some of the challenges the students had encountered during the application process. He appealed to NELFund to address these issues to make the application process smoother.
He also assured the students that the university management would continue to guide them on how to apply for the loan and raise awareness about its benefits. “We have previously conducted sensitization campaigns, and the students responded positively. The presence of top officials from NELFund and NANS today will further boost their confidence in the process,” Prof. Ogbu concluded.
