The Rivers State Government has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a program designed to provide financial support to students pursuing tertiary education, regardless of their economic background.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, expressed appreciation while receiving a delegation from NELFUND at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He noted that in many developed countries, students rely on education loans, often repaying them throughout their lives. However, he emphasized that Nigeria’s approach is more flexible, allowing beneficiaries to begin repayment only two years after completing their National Youth Service.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that Rivers students fully benefit from the initiative, pledging government support for its successful implementation.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Dr. Akintunde Sawyer, explained that their presence in Rivers State was part of a nationwide advocacy campaign to secure state governments’ support in making the program widely accessible.
Also Read: UDO Unveils Dance Nigeria in Rivers: A Talent Hunt for the Next Dance Superstar
Dr. Sawyer reiterated President Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian student with the desire and ability to pursue higher education should be denied the opportunity due to financial constraints. He further highlighted that the scheme offers interest-free loans, with repayment beginning only after beneficiaries have secured employment two years post-NYSC.
The initiative has been widely welcomed as a significant step toward bridging the gap in access to higher education across the country.
