In a decisive move to strengthen the implementation framework of its student loan scheme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has brought together critical stakeholders for a transformative five-day engagement and technical workshop aimed at fine-tuning operational strategies and enhancing collaboration across sectors.
The workshop, which commenced earlier this week in Abuja, brought under one roof representatives from federal and state institutions, regulatory bodies, development partners, financial experts, technology providers, and civil society actors. The goal, according to the organizers, is to create a seamless, transparent, and inclusive loan disbursement process that supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in expanding access to tertiary education.
Speaking during the opening session, NELFUND Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, described the gathering as “a strategic convergence of minds” working to deliver a sustainable, accountable, and student-centered financing model. He emphasized that the success of the student loan initiative depends not just on funding, but on robust stakeholder synergy, efficient data management, and long-term policy alignment.
“This workshop marks a critical step in building a national student loan infrastructure that is not only responsive but resilient. We are here to align visions, close operational gaps, and design systems that truly serve the Nigerian student,” Mr. Sawyerr said.
The technical sessions featured deep-dive discussions on key areas such as eligibility verification, digital infrastructure, risk mitigation, repayment frameworks, and financial inclusion. Experts also examined global best practices to tailor solutions suitable for Nigeria’s unique economic and educational context.
Officials from the Ministry of Education, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, and the Budget Office of the Federation were present, alongside representatives of student unions and private sector stakeholders. Their presence underscored the multi-sectoral nature of the student loan system and the critical need for inter-agency collaboration.
Participants welcomed the open dialogue and the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to removing financial barriers to education. Many noted that the initiative has the potential to transform access to higher learning in Nigeria—especially for students from low-income backgrounds.
As the five-day workshop progresses, NELFUND is expected to unveil an implementation roadmap, including pilot timelines, verification protocols, and awareness strategies. Stakeholders also anticipate updates on the digital loan application portal and measures to prevent fraud and ensure timely disbursement.
This engagement comes just weeks ahead of the full rollout of the student loan scheme, which was restructured by President Bola Tinubu and signed into law to replace previous models that had failed to achieve scale. The government hopes that this refined initiative will unlock human capital development and empower a new generation of skilled Nigerians ready to compete globally.
