President Bola Tinubu is set to launch the National Student Loan Programme on Thursday, March 14, 2024, as announced by Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. The initiative, part of President Tinubu's welfare reforms, aims to alleviate financial burdens for Nigerians and young people.

The program was initiated following the signing of the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, on June 12, 2023, fulfilling a campaign promise to provide interest-free loans for indigent students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

On February 7, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, exclusively confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Tinubu launches it at the State House, Abuja.

However, the launch was delayed, with Sawyerr, alongside Presidency sources, explaining that the lag time is to enable the Fund to expand its mandate to include students seeking loans for skills development, as directed by the President.

After receiving briefing from the NELFUND team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.

To find the registration portal, eligibility criteria, how to apply and other details, find out at source: https://edustuff.com.ng/apply-for-nigeria-education-loan-fund-nelfund/

Thanks for reading.

Make una rest, what kind of country is this, the last I heard it was suppose to be lunched January 2024, now still hearing to be lunched again

Atleast, some Agbado boys will return back to school.

Alright

Not even January, they've been shifting the date since last year, imagine a whole national stuff as that.

Nackzy:
Make una rest, what kind of country is this, the last I heard it was suppose to be lunched January 2024, now still hearing to be lunched again

Schorlashipreg:
Not even January, they've been shifting the date since last year, imagine a whole national stuff as that.

hmmmmm, I don't even understand this government