Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has revealed that Enugu State is lagging behind in its loan applications ranking 33rd out of 36 in the entire Federation.
This revelation was made Thursday as NELFUND launched a major sensitisation in Enugu State to drive awareness and increase student participation in the Federal Government’s interest-free Students Loan scheme.
The awareness programme, which held in Enugu, attracted participants including heads of public and private tertiary institutions across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said that, Enugu State currently ranked 33rd out of Nigeria’s 36 states in student loan applications.
He described the figure as a huge concern for a state with such a rich academic tradition.
Sawyerr added that the low enrolment prompted a prior engagement with Governor Peter Mbah, who pledged his administration’s commitment to support the scheme and bolster vocational training across the state.
“When the political will from both the federal and state governments align, the opportunity for impact is maximised,” he said.
Sawyerr emphasised that the NELFUND loans were entirely interest-free and only repayable after a graduate secured employment.
He said: “If you’re not working, you don’t pay.
“This loan is not a trap; it’s a tool for empowerment.”
He further explained that the application process was fully automated, transparent, and technology-driven, ensuring equity and access without political interference.
According to him, eigible students must be enrolled in government-approved institutions listed on the NELFUND portal, and applications required a JAMB registration number, admission letter, National Identification Number (NIN), and verified contact details.
He also said that Tuition fees were paid directly to schools, while upkeep allowances go directly to students.
In the same vein, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and SMEs and Director General of the Enugu SME Centre, acknowledged the state’s low enrolment figures and expressed the government’s resolve to turn the tide.
“Over 30 institutions are represented here today. This is the first step toward full integration with the NELFUND digital system,” he said.
He said there were plans to expand collaboration with NELFUND beyond tuition support, with a focus on skills development through initiatives such as the Fashion and Garment Hub, ICT centres, and vocational schools like the upgraded Government Technical College (GTC).
“This is about building a skilled and employable youth population,” he said.
Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, praised both the federal and state governments for the initiative.
“Our Governor has allocated 33% of the state’s budget to education. That shows how much of a priority it is to him.
“We are also aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This programme is a game-changer.”
He urged South-East to embrace the scheme.
“These loans are part of our national cake.
“We are entitled to them and must take advantage of the opportunity,” Asadu said.
He appealed to the Federal Government to consider establishing a sub-regional NELFUND office in Enugu to ease access.
