In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities for students in South Eastern Nigeria, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has initiated an awareness campaign at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Igbariam, Anambra State.
The campaign was led by NELFUND’s managing director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, and executive director of Operations, Mustapha Iyal, alongside the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lucky Emonefe, and other NANS executives from the region.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the university’s acting vice chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, who expressed her gratitude for the initiative aimed at ensuring effective enrollment from the region.
During the event, Sawyer emphasized the vital role education plays in transforming Nigerian society.
He stated, “A more educated populace contributes to societal progress and that no one should be denied the chance to benefit from education.”
He drew attention to the pressing issue of student dropouts caused by financial difficulties, reinforcing the Federal Government’s vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the NELFUND policy.
He elaborated on how NELFUND is designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with tuition fees by offering loans with extended repayment options. “NELFUND aims to ease the financial burden of tuition by providing loans with extended repayment options,” he noted.
Sawyer also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of COOU’s administration and called for ongoing collaboration to raise awareness about the program among students.
In her response, Professor Omenugha commended NELFUND and NANS for their commitment to supporting students across Nigeria. She assured the team that COOU students would take advantage of the opportunity and actively apply for the programme, stating, “We will respond positively and apply for the programme.”
