The Federal Government has assured students in tertiary institutions that access to loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) does not require political connections or influential sponsors, stressing that the system is transparent, automated and based strictly on eligibility.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, gave the assurance in Akure during a courtesy visit by the fund’s management team to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of its first South-West outreach tour for the year.

Sawyerr explained that qualification for the student loan scheme is guided by clear criteria and not personal influence. He said prospective applicants only need to secure admission into a recognised tertiary institution and submit the required details through the official online platform.

According to him, applicants are expected to upload their bio-data and relevant credentials, including their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) or admission number and National Identification Number (NIN).

“There is no need for a godfather or any form of lobbying. The application process is entirely online, and there is no physical contact or referral involved,” Sawyerr stated.

He added that the scheme ensures institutional fees are paid directly to schools, while beneficiaries also receive stipends to support their daily needs.

Sawyerr noted that the initiative was introduced to remove financial barriers to higher education, particularly for young Nigerians, by offering interest-free loans. He explained that repayment would begin two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and would be based on income, making the process non-punitive.

Describing the programme as one of the most significant reforms in tertiary education financing under the current administration, Sawyerr said it aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who signed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Act into law on April 4, 2025.

He said the visit to Ondo State was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government, building public trust and encouraging greater student participation, adding that a progress report had been presented to the governor for review and feedback.

In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the initiative and pledged the state’s support in mobilising students to benefit from the interest-free loan scheme.

He described the programme as a landmark intervention that complements existing bursaries and scholarship schemes, noting that while grants do not require repayment, the loan initiative helps bridge funding gaps and ensures that no student is denied tertiary education due to financial hardship.

The governor also called for sustained sensitisation, campus engagements and data-driven monitoring to boost awareness, address misconceptions and improve participation among students across Ondo State.

No Godfathers Needed for NELFUND Loans – FG Assures Students

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