NELFUND initiative to benefit needy Nigerians, says Sawyer

By Kunle Sanni

The managing director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyer, has assured that the student loan initiative will directly benefit needy Nigerians.

Sawyer made this statement on Wednesday while addressing State House reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following the official launch of the scheme.

The event, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, was held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja. It also had in attendance the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), ministers, leadership of the National Assembly, and members of the board and management team of NELFUND.

Sawyer said, “It’s a great privilege, a great honor to be part of a program that will change so many lives over such a long period into the future.

“The effect of providing this opportunity for the most needy Nigerians, the most capable Nigerians in many ways, and the people who probably look after us, or whose decisions will impact us in our old age, cannot be underestimated.”

The program was introduced by the President Tinubu-led administration. The loan scheme is seen by many as a major landmark by the current administration, which is serious about repositioning education in the country.

Describing the intended beneficiaries of the scheme as “the most important people in the country that we’re trying to impact,” Sawyer also thanked President Tinubu, stating that his courageous move in establishing this initiative will bring fortune not only to him but to the entire nation.

He said, “These are the most important people in the country that we’re trying to affect.

“So I want to give all the praise and all the recognition to the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for having the vision and the courage to do what he has just done. And I’m sure you’ve all heard that fortune favors the brave, and this courageous move will bring fortune not just to him but to the entire nation.”

The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lucky Emonefe, said Nigerian students are proud of the initiative and described the launch as a new dawn in the education sector.

“Today we are excited; Nigerian students are happy that the dream has come true. It was once a dream, it became an Act, and today is the Presidential launch and disbursement. We are very proud of this. We, as Nigerian students, will call it a new dawn in the education sector.

“During the presidential disbursement today, you can see people applying. Whatever background you belong to, you can access the loan. It was so transparent. Once you apply, you will get it, irrespective of your status, your age, and your class.

“Like what Mr. President said, and we equally agree, it is a tool to fight poverty. And we can now say that Nigerian students have access to higher education. We are proud of this. And this is a good legacy and a good investment in the development of our dear nation.

“We’re happy for this; we are excited and we embrace it. We are all excited. It is a new dawn in the education sector and we are very happy.”