The recent sensitisation visit of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to Ondo State has been described as a historic intervention in expanding access to tertiary education, following strategic facilitation by Mr. Boye Oyewumi.
The sensitisation, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, marked the formal commencement of the Fund’s South West outreach aimed at deepening awareness and accelerating uptake of the Federal Government’s interest free student loan scheme.
Mr. Oyewumi’s coordination enabled high level engagement with the Ondo State Government, culminating in a meeting with His Excellency, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who lauded the initiative as a transformative step for students in the state.
A former Special Adviser on Development and Investments and CEO of ONDIPA, Mr. Oyewumi has played a strategic role in advancing investment led development in Ondo State. His facilitation of the NELFUND sensitisation aligns with a consistent focus on translating policy into measurable social impact.
Describing the programme as unprecedented, His Excellency noted that the NELFUND student loan scheme represents “a historic and far reaching intervention that removes financial barriers and gives every willing and qualified student a fair chance at higher education.” He further pledged the state’s commitment to mobilising students across all 18 local government areas to fully leverage the scheme.
Speaking on the importance of strong coordination, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr emphasised the value of credible local facilitation in delivering impact.
“For NELFUND to achieve its mandate, collaboration at the state level is critical. The quality of engagement in Ondo State demonstrates what is possible when experienced facilitators help align federal initiatives with local priorities,” Mr. Sawyerr said.
Also commenting, Mr. Boye Oyewumi reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that expand opportunity and drive inclusive development.
“Education financing is a cornerstone of long term development. Supporting a programme like NELFUND aligns with my belief that no capable young person should be denied education because of financial constraints,” he said.
The sensitisation exercise highlighted the core benefits of the NELFUND scheme, including interest free loans, transparent digital application processes, direct payment of tuition to institutions, student upkeep support, and income based repayment commencing after completion of NYSC.
Observers described the Ondo State engagement as impactful and well structured, noting that the seamless collaboration between federal and state actors underscores the importance of effective facilitation in delivering national development programmes.
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