The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said it will commence expansion of its loan scheme to cover vocational and skills acquisition centres across Nigeria, starting with Enugu State.
According to a statement released on Friday during a strategic engagement and sensitisation campaign in Enugu State, attended by key officials from NELFUND and the Enugu State Government, the scheme will begin within the next six to eight weeks.
Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasised the Fund’s intent to support technical education in skills centres nationwide, including fashion design and other vocations. He said Enugu has been selected as a starting point for the programme’s rollout.
“The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, alongside the Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Mustapha Iyal, led a NELFUND delegation to Enugu State for a strategic engagement session with key stakeholders.
“The visit, held in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Education, included interactive sessions with representatives of tertiary institutions and traditional rulers, aimed at deepening awareness and strengthening partnerships for the successful implementation of NELFUND’s initiatives.
During a tour of the Enugu Garments and Fashion Hub, NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations, Iyal Mustapha, highlighted Enugu’s preparedness and existing infrastructure, stating that the state had one of the best vocational and skills training facilities seen so far.
Explaining how the loan scheme will be implemented, Mustapha said beneficiaries will be able to apply through an online portal once it opens.
The scheme would cater to training costs, offer upkeep stipends, and provide tools upon training completion.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs and Director General of the Enugu SME Centre, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, said the state government is committed to youth empowerment through skills development.
