Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), under the leadership of its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has expressed its delight as it receives an additional N50 billion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A statement issued on Friday by Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director, Corporate Communications of NELFUND, said the release follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu on August 4, 2024, directing the anti-graft agency to transfer the fund to NELFUND to further boost the student loan programme.
“This significant injection of funds represents a major milestone in the administration’s commitment to bolstering access to education by providing financial support to students across Nigeria.
“The fund extends its deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector and his continued efforts to support the most vulnerable segments of the population.
“By deciding to allocate these funds to the student loan scheme, President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering a brighter future for Nigerian students and to the socioeconomic advancement of Nigeria,” she said.
NELFUND also acknowledged and thanked the EFCC, under the leadership of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for their swift action in ensuring the release of the fund.
“Their diligent work has ensured that these resources has been promptly made available to benefit the education of our nation’s youth.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to direct these fund into NELFUND’s student loan scheme underscores the administration’s broader social intervention policy aimed at uplifting the most populous, yet disadvantaged segment of Nigerian society, the youth,” the director said.
Oluwatuyi said the infusion of the fund will significantly boost NELFUND’s ability to provide much-needed financial support to students, and enable them to pursue their academic aspirations without financial hindrance.
“NELFUND remains committed to utilizing these fund equitably, responsibly and efficiently, ensuring that they directly benefit those who need them the most and have already sought a partnership with EFCC to oversee the disbursement process.
“With the support of the government and the EFCC, NELFUND will continue to drive forward the mission of expanding access to tertiary education for all aspiring Nigerian youth and increasing the employability of well educated graduates in both the academic and vocational sectors,” she added.
