The newly appointed Principal and Chief Executive of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Engr. Dr. Samual E. Onoji, has urged students to take full advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to alleviate financial burdens.
Dr. Onoji made the call during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, and his team to his office in Effurun. He emphasized that NELFUND was created to offer financial support to students across Nigeria and encouraged PTI students to seize this opportunity.
Dr. Onoji stated, “We understand that many students face financial challenges that hinder their academic progress. NELFUND is a great initiative that provides students with the financial assistance they need to pursue their education without undue stress.” He also emphasized that PTI students should take advantage of this opportunity to secure their future, saying, “I encourage our students to explore this window of opportunity provided by NELFUND. It is an invaluable resource for those seeking to further their education and improve their lives.”
During the visit, Sawyerr outlined the benefits of NELFUND, explaining that the scheme is available to both new and returning students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
“The loan provides financial support to qualified Nigerian students for tuition fees and other charges, and for their upkeep during their studies in approved tertiary academic institutions and/or vocational and skills acquisition institutions within Nigeria,” he said. Sawyerr further emphasized the importance of the loan in supporting students’ educational journey, highlighting that NELFUND is an intervention agency established by the federal government, with the potential to reach up to 2.1 million beneficiaries. “This fund is here to ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints,” Sawyerr added.
Since its inception, NELFUND has disbursed over N104 billion to 613,734 students across Nigerian tertiary institutions. The funds cover both institutional fees and upkeep loans, with the latter paid directly to the students’ bank accounts.
Sawyerr clarified that the loan scheme is specifically for students in government-owned tertiary institutions, including polytechnics like PTI, universities, and colleges of education. “We have been able to support hundreds of thousands of students, and we are committed to continuing this effort,” he said.
He further revealed that around 417,000 students have registered on the NELFUND portal, with approximately 328,000 having completed applications. “Some have been processed, many have been looked at, and most of them will get the loan,” Sawyerr added, reinforcing the positive impact the loan scheme continues to have on students’ educational experiences. “This is not just a loan; it’s an investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth. The goal is to empower students to succeed academically and professionally,” he concluded.
