Isa Mubarak Mohammed - U19mm1043.
August 6, 2025.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Olowole Akintunde Sawyerr, has clarified that students do not require any form of connection or insider link to access the student loan scheme recently rolled out by the Federal Government. He made this known during a sensitisation programme held at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria on Tuesday, 5th August 2025.
Speaking on the theme "Understanding the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme: Access, Application and Support", Mr. Sawyerr stated that eligibility alone was the key requirement for benefitting from the scheme.
“Students do not need any connection to apply for the loan. What they need is an access institution and a valid JAMB registration number,” he said.
Sawyer emphasized that the student loan was completely interest-free, making it easier for undergraduates and prospective students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education without financial burdens.
In a breakdown of the repayment conditions, the NELFUND boss disclosed that beneficiaries would only begin repayment two years after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and only if they have secured employment.
“If one applies and unfortunately dies, the loan is forgiven. Also, if one does not get a job five years after completing NYSC, the loan is also written off,” he added.
The sensitisation session was well attended by students, university staff, and stakeholders, many of whom expressed optimism about the initiative's potential to democratize access to higher education in Nigeria.
NELFUND was established by the Federal Government to provide financial support to Nigerian students pursuing higher education in public institutions. The fund aims to remove financial barriers and promote inclusive education by offering flexible, interest free loans repayable only upon employment.
As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, students across the country are being encouraged to take advantage of the scheme by ensuring they meet the basic requirements and submit their applications through the designated platforms which is www.nelf.ng