The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commenced a grassroots awareness campaign to promote the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), targeting market women in key areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The sensitisation campaign, led by the agency’s Community Outreach and Development Department, visited Orozo, Karshi, and Karu markets to educate traders—especially women—on the benefits of the student loan scheme.
NELFUND, established under the Student Loan Act of 2024, offers interest-free loans to eligible students in tertiary institutions, covering tuition, living expenses, and other educational needs.
To ensure wide reach and comprehension, the NOA team deployed an OB-van to broadcast messages and conducted live engagement sessions in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Igala, Gbagyi, and Pidgin English.
Director of the department, Mrs. Olorunfemi Olubukola, said the outreach was part of NOA’s mandate to ensure public understanding of key government programmes.
She noted that market women are critical stakeholders in information dissemination and can help educate their children and communities about available educational opportunities.
“This outreach is about ensuring no one is left behind,” she said. “We want mothers, guardians, and women traders to understand the benefits of the student loan scheme so they can guide their children and wards to benefit from it.”
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