By Felix Khanoba
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expanded its outreach in Ogun State, recording more than N785 million in loan disbursements following an intensive sensitization programme held in Ijebu-Ife.
The initiative, led by Otunba Femi Adewumi and hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, was aimed at boosting awareness and uptake of the Federal Government-backed student loan scheme. The forum brought together parents, students, community leaders and education stakeholders, offering hands-on guidance on eligibility and the application process.
“Our goal was simple, to ensure that no student in our communities is left behind because of financial barriers,” Adewumi said.
He described the turnout and engagement as encouraging, adding, “I am proud of the impact this sensitization has achieved, and I commend NELFUND for delivering real opportunities to our young people.”
In a statement, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the sensitization efforts played a direct role in the increased number of successful applications across tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
Oluwatuyi outlined the disbursements for the 2024/2025 academic session, noting that Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science & Technology, Omu-Ajose had 264 students in Batch 1 receive N33,575,000, while Batch 2, with 59 students, received N6,997,500 — bringing the total to N40,572,500.
She added that Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) had 3,473 beneficiaries, with a combined disbursement of N718,585,000. At Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, 87 students in Batch 1 were granted N12,164,500, while 18 students in Batch 2 received N14,779,500.
NELFUND’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, commended the collaboration with community leaders, describing it as vital to the Fund’s broader goal.
“Our mission is to democratize access to higher education for every Nigerian student. The support from leaders such as Otunba Adewumi and Dr. Kehinde shows what is possible when government institutions and local stakeholders work together,” he said.
The statement further noted that the Fund plans to take its sensitization activities across all six geopolitical zones to ensure wider awareness and easier access to the loan scheme nationwide.
NELFUND also acknowledged Otunba Adewumi’s role in championing the sensitization effort in Ijebu-Ife, saying it was instrumental to the rise in successful applications from Ogun State. The Fund reiterated its commitment to assisting eligible students through continuous outreach programmes and campus engagements across the country.
