The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) management has addressed reports circulating online regarding the postponement of the highly anticipated student loan scheme, initially slated for Thursday, March 14, 2024.
A statement issued by Nasir Ayitogo on behalf of Akintunde Sawyer, the executive secretary of NELFUND, acknowledged the postponement but clarified that it was not indefinite, contrary to the reports.
The statement referenced Mr. Sawyer’s television interview on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, where he explained that the postponement was necessary to ensure alignment among all stakeholders before the formal launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It emphasized that NELFUND is fully prepared for the launch, with the loan application portal ready and funds approved by President Tinubu for a smooth commencement.
Students were urged to take advantage of the opportunity and apply for loans once the launch date is determined.
In June 2023, President Tinubu signed a bill establishing a Students Loan Fund to provide interest-free loans for higher education, originally slated to start between September and October 2023.
Despite missing the October deadline, President Tinubu announced the scheme’s commencement in January 2024, with preparations completed by Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, including the development of the Student Loan Scheme website.
During a meeting in January, President Tinubu assured leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that the program would commence once additional features, such as vocational studies, were incorporated.
From the News Source: Techeconomy
