In response to recent media reports and a statement issued by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), key players in Nigeria’s education sector convened on Wednesday to address issues surrounding the operations of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The high-level meeting, held in Abuja, brought together prominent government officials and education stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan Olumuyiwa; Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu; and Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, among others.
During the session, Mr. Sawyerr delivered a detailed presentation on the ongoing student loan application process, outlining the eligibility criteria, current implementation status, and steps being taken to ensure equitable access to financial aid for Nigerian students.
Vice Chancellors from various institutions also shared perspectives on internal procedures related to NELFUND disbursements, pointing out operational bottlenecks that have hampered the timely release and utilization of funds.
To address these challenges, stakeholders agreed to set up a joint committee tasked with reviewing the concerns raised and developing strategic, actionable recommendations aimed at improving the loan management and disbursement process.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by NELFUND and the Federal Ministry of Education to uphold transparency, foster collaboration, and ensure the sustainability of student financial support across the country.
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