Dr. Akintunde Sawyyer, Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), has assured students that they will not face any harassment regarding the repayment of their educational loans after graduation. Speaking during a sensitization event at Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Abakaliki, Dr. Sawyyer emphasized that the education loan program is designed to provide accessible tertiary education without financial stress.
He explained that the loan is interest-free, and students are only required to start repayment two years after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), provided they are employed. “You cannot be pursued for repayment if you are not yet working,” Dr. Sawyyer clarified.
The event, attended by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President Comrade Lucky Emonefe and other officials, aimed to encourage students to take advantage of the loan scheme. Dr. Sawyyer noted that the application process has been streamlined, ensuring easy access to funds for tuition and monthly stipends.
NANS President Emonefe urged students to embrace the opportunity, dispelling myths that the loan was only for a select few. He confirmed that all students who apply through the official portal will be eligible.
Mrs. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), also highlighted the importance of the South East region taking advantage of the loan scheme, stressing that it is available to all Nigerian students regardless of background.
Ebonyi State University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, praised NELFund’s efforts and called for continued improvements to ensure a smooth application process for students.
