No Discrimination In Student Loan Disbursement, Says NELFUND Boss Sawyerr

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has said the scheme does not discriminate against any beneficiary.

Sawyerr spoke at a maiden meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing at the National Assembly Complex yesterday in Abuja.

“This administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has introduced many brilliant policies, and the student loan initiative is the one that hits closest to home. It is reaching every corner of the nation – East, West, North, and South.

“This policy is not discriminatory. It is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.

“It is akin to monumental policies, such as the Free Education programme of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by General Yakubu Gowon, and the creation of federal universities.

“These policies have shaped Nigeria’s development, and the student loan initiative is equally progressive, representing an investment in our nation’s future.

“We have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind – particularly the Southeast. I am pleased to report that my team and I have made significant progress in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications,” he said.

Sawyerr said NELFUND had received over 350,000 applications and disbursed over N10 billion with a commitment to disbursing N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends.

He added: “Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities. Moreover, we are focused on addressing the barriers to girl-child education, recognising that denying girls the opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential.”