The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has urged students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s South-East to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme to complete their education and contribute to the region’s human capital development.
Sawyerr made the appeal during the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the South-East Zone, held in Enugu under the theme, “Empowering Students with Digital Skills and Innovation (Enugu 2026).”
The programme, organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, brought together student leaders, education stakeholders, youth organisations, digital innovation experts and government representatives to promote digital inclusion, leadership and innovation among young Nigerians.
Addressing participants, Sawyerr described NELFUND as more than a financial intervention, saying it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce.
He noted that the South-East has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that the loan scheme is designed to remove financial barriers preventing qualified students from accessing higher education.
“The South-East has always been known for its strong educational culture, innovation and enterprise. I encourage students across the zone to take advantage of NELFUND because it is designed to remove financial barriers to education and help them build a brighter future,” he said.
Sawyerr added that many capable students are unable to complete their studies due to financial challenges, explaining that NELFUND was established to ensure that no qualified Nigerian is denied higher education because of a lack of funds.
He also encouraged students to complement their academic qualifications with digital and entrepreneurial skills, describing technology as a key driver of economic growth and national competitiveness in the 21st century.
The NELFUND boss further urged student union leaders to serve as ambassadors of the loan scheme by educating their colleagues on the application process and the benefits available to eligible students in public tertiary institutions.
According to him, investments in education, digital skills and innovation remain critical to building a productive workforce capable of driving sustainable national development.
Participants described the programme as timely, noting that digital competencies and innovation are increasingly important for graduates seeking opportunities in today’s technology-driven economy.
NELFUND, established by the Federal Government, provides interest-free loans to eligible students in public tertiary institutions as part of efforts to improve access to higher education and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital development.
Source: Nigerian Impact
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