The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and its Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of student loans across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 7, 2025, NANS President, Comrade Emonefe Lucky, lauded the agency’s commitment to accountability and equity, highlighting the absence of political interference in the loan allocation process. The association described the initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a “timely intervention” that will significantly improve access to quality education for Nigerian students, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The transparency exhibited by NELFUND under Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr’s leadership is commendable and reflects the integrity this administration promised,” Emonefe stated. “Students from all regions are benefiting without the need for recommendations or undue favors, which underscores the policy’s fairness and effectiveness.”
Since the launch of the scheme, thousands of students in tertiary institutions have successfully accessed loans to support their education, while many more are undergoing streamlined application processes. NANS praised the online system for eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and fostering a culture of accountability.
The student body also commended President Tinubu for appointing Sawyerr, whom they described as a seasoned administrator with a proven track record of excellence. NANS emphasized that his commitment to due process and stakeholder engagement has strengthened public trust in the program.
“This initiative is a game-changer for education in Nigeria,” the statement read. “By insulating the process from political influence and prioritizing students’ welfare, President Tinubu and Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr have shown that transformative leadership is achievable.”
NANS urged continued adherence to the policy’s guiding principles while calling on students to utilize the opportunity responsibly. The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with NELFUND to address emerging challenges and ensure inclusivity.
The student loan scheme, a flagship program of the Tinubu administration, is aimed at reducing financial barriers to higher education and empowering Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development. With NELFUND’s operational transparency earning widespread praise, stakeholders express optimism that the initiative will serve as a model for future public interventions in the education sector.
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