Students Do Not Need ‘Connections’ to Access Federal Government Student Loan, Says NELFUND Boss

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Olowole Akintunde Sawyerr, has assured Nigerian students that they do not require personal connections or insider influence to benefit from the recently launched Federal Government student loan scheme.

Mr Sawyerr gave the assurance on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, during a sensitisation programme at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, themed “Understanding the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme: Access, Application and Support.”

He stressed that eligibility was the only criterion for accessing the scheme.

“Students do not need any connection to apply for the loan. All they need is an accredited institution and a valid JAMB registration number,” he said.

Mr Sawyerr further highlighted that the loan is entirely interest-free, aimed at enabling undergraduates and prospective students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints.

Explaining the repayment terms, he disclosed that beneficiaries would begin repayment two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) — and only if they had secured employment.

“If a beneficiary passes away, the loan is cancelled. Likewise, if a graduate remains unemployed five years after NYSC, the loan will be written off,” he added.

The sensitisation event drew a large audience, including students, university staff, and other stakeholders, many of whom expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential to broaden access to higher education.

NELFUND was established by the Federal Government to support students in public higher institutions through flexible, interest-free loans, repayable only upon securing a job. With the 2025/2026 academic session approaching, students nationwide are encouraged to verify their eligibility and submit applications via the official platform at [www.nelf.ng](http://www.nelf.ng).