In a significant move to widen access to higher education financing, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced the onboarding of an additional 12 state-owned tertiary institutions to its student loan program. This expansion comes after a successful verification process ensuring data completeness and accuracy from the institutions.
Prior to this announcement, the fund had partnered with 36 institutions, offering financial support to students enrolled in these establishments. With the addition of these 12 new institutions, the total number of participating institutions has grown to 48. This is a positive development for Nigerian students seeking financial aid to pursue their academic aspirations.
NELFUND Emphasizes Data Accuracy and Transparency
Nasir Ayitogo, the spokesperson for NELFUND, highlighted the importance of data accuracy in the onboarding process. He stated that the expansion followed a rigorous verification procedure to ensure the completeness and accuracy of information provided by the institutions. This transparency is crucial for the fund to effectively manage the loan program and ensure responsible allocation of funds.
“We are delighted to welcome these additional institutions to our program,” said Nasir Ayitogo, spokesperson for NELFUND. “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to supporting students across the country in their pursuit of higher education.”
Outstanding Data from 121 Institutions
While celebrating the addition of 12 new institutions, NELFUND acknowledged that data from a significant number of institutions remains outstanding. Ayitogo noted that data from 121 institutions is still pending verification. This suggests potential for further program expansion in the future, provided these institutions can fulfill the data requirements.
List of Newly Onboarded Institutions
The 12 newly approved institutions represent a variety of academic disciplines, catering to a broad range of student needs. Here’s a breakdown of the newly included institutions:
Universities:
University of Medical and Applied Sciences Enugu State
Aliko Dangote University of science and Technology Wudil, Kano State
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Yobe State University
Polytechnics:
Abia State Polytechnic
Kwara Polytechnic
Lagos State University of Science and Technology
Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic
Taraba State Polytechnic
College of Education:
College of Education, Waka-Biu
If You Ask Me
NELFUND’s expansion signifies a positive step towards making education more accessible for Nigerian students. With the inclusion of these new institutions, students enrolled in a wider range of programs can now benefit from the financial support offered by the student loan program. Additionally, NELFUND can continuously improve its outreach and communication strategies to ensure students across all participating institutions are aware of the loan application process and its benefits.
However, there’s still work to be done. The student loan agency is actively encouraging the remaining 121 institutions to submit their data to expand the program’s reach further. As NELFUND continues to grow, it’s expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigerian education by empowering a generation of Nigerian students to achieve their academic dreams.
