The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has partnered with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund) to inform and educate Ebonyi State University (EBSU) students in Abakaliki about the Student Loan program introduced by the federal government. The meeting held on the university campus was intended to educate learners about the advantages of the initiative, which seeks to ensure that qualified students can pursue Higher Education regardless of their financial situation. Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the head of NELFund, led the delegation. Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the National President of NANS, and Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, represented the students.
Dr. Sawyyerr emphasised that the initiative is a strategic government effort to eliminate financial limitations for learners pursuing academic goals. Sawyerr detailed how the credit application system had been optimised to reduce unnecessary human involvement, making it easier for all eligible learners to apply without encountering barriers. He emphasised the need for accessibility, ensuring no one would be turned away due to financial constraints. According to him, the primary aim of the financial program is to ensure that every learner can pursue their academic aspirations.
Repayment starts two years after NYSC completion and securing employment.
He tackled frequent worries regarding credit repayments, reassuring learners that they wouldn’t face harassment or pressure for missing payment deadlines. He clarified that the credit carries no interest and that repayments start two years after finishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and finding a job. Moreover, no learner will be contacted for payments while they are unemployed. He further motivated learners to seize this chance completely, comforting them that financial limitations shouldn’t stop their pursuit of academic goals.
Besides covering tuition costs, He further mentioned that learners would also be given monthly allowances to assist with their everyday expenditures. This extra advantage enhances the credit package’s appeal, offering funding for academic and financial assistance during their time in school. Comrade Lucky Emonefe, President of NANS, supported Sawyer’s views. He urged learners to consider the initiative while clarifying false beliefs regarding its authenticity. He reassured them that the initiative is accessible to everyone who qualifies, not just a limited group. Emonefe implored them to seize this chance without letting baseless stress hold them back.
Learners in other regions have already benefited from the initiative.
During the event, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement in the Southeast, emphasised the importance of learners in the region utilising the program. She noted that learners from other regions have already reaped the benefits of the credit, and there is no justification for South East to fall behind. Nweze encouraged EBSU scholars to take advantage of this opportunity, stating that financial support is accessible to all Nigerian students, regardless of their region, faith, or political beliefs.
Professor Chigozie Ogbu, Vice-Chancellor of EBSU, expressed his gratitude to NELFund and NANS for hosting the awareness meeting. He recognised that several learners encountered difficulties with the initiative application process and urged NELFund to resolve these concerns for a more efficient application experience. Ogbu assured the learners that the university would continue educating them on the advantages of the program and offer support during the application process. He noted that earlier awareness campaigns yielded encouraging feedback from learners.
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However, he hoped that the attendance of high-ranking representatives from NELFund and NANS at the meeting would enhance learners’ trust in the credit program. He further urged them to take full advantage of this chance to pursue their academic goals without financial stress. This awareness initiative represents an advance in ensuring that learners nationwide, particularly in the Southeast, have a comprehensive understanding of the financial support system and how it can enhance their academic experience.