The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has assured Nigerian students that they do not need to know anyone within the organisation or have political or personal connections to access the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said eligible students can apply through the prescribed process by providing the required identification and academic information.
According to Sawyerr, applicants are expected to provide key details including their National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), JAMB Registration Number and Matriculation or Admission Number, depending on their institution and status.
The requirements, he explained, enable NELFUND to verify applicants’ identities, admission status and academic records before processing their applications.
No connection required
Sawyerr’s clarification comes amid concerns among students about whether personal contacts or influential individuals are needed to access the student loan.
He stressed that the scheme is designed around eligibility and proper documentation rather than personal connections.
The assurance is particularly significant for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to meet the costs associated with tertiary education.
Private institution students excluded for now
However, students enrolled in private tertiary institutions are currently not covered by the NELFUND loan scheme.
The Fund said its existing legal framework does not permit the scheme to extend to private institutions.
Consequently, students attending private universities and other private tertiary institutions cannot currently access NELFUND loans under the existing law.
Students urged to follow official process
NELFUND has therefore encouraged eligible students to understand the application requirements and submit accurate information through the approved application process.
The Fund’s position is that access to the student loan should be determined by eligibility and compliance with the requirements, not who an applicant knows.
As the Federal Government continues to expand student financing, awareness of eligibility and a clear understanding of the application process will remain crucial to ensuring that more Nigerian students benefit from the scheme.
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