The Federal Government (FG), on Thursday, confirmed that students enrolled in state-owned universities will be able to access the government’s student loan scheme. This news comes three weeks after the launch of the program, which initially only catered to students in federal institutions.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, during a press briefing in Abuja. Sawyerr noted the positive response to the program’s launch, with the NELFUND website receiving over 60,000 visitors. He also highlighted that the vast majority of federal institutions have submitted their student lists for loan consideration.
This expansion of the program is a significant development for Nigerian higher education. The Access to Higher Education Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, aims to address financial barriers to university access. By offering interest-free loans, the government hopes to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, regardless of the institution they choose to attend.
However, questions remain regarding the specifics of the program’s rollout for state universities. No official date has been announced for when applications from state institutions will be accepted. Additionally, details on how the loan application process might differ for state students compared to their federal counterparts are still unclear.
NELFUND is expected to provide further information in the coming weeks. This will be crucial for students in state universities seeking to understand their eligibility and application timelines. The success of this program hinges on clear communication and efficient implementation across both federal and state institutions.
