The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has distributed an interest-free loan totaling N280 million to 3,000 students from various tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State. The announcement was made by NELFUND’s Managing Director and CEO, Akintunde Sawyerr, during a symbolic cheque presentation in Lafia, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Sawyerr highlighted that the initiative, a partnership with the State’s Human Capital Development Agency, aims to ease financial barriers for underprivileged students seeking higher education. He assured that the loan process would be transparent and praised Habiba Suleiman, Director General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, for her team’s role in the program’s success.

Out of 12,000 applicants, 3,000 were verified and approved for the loan. Sawyerr noted that nationwide, approximately 275,000 students applied, with Nasarawa contributing 12,000 applications. He urged institutions still pending verification to expedite their processes to ensure all eligible students receive the support.

In his address, Acting Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe thanked NELFUND for supporting the youth of Nasarawa and urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly for a brighter future. Habiba Suleiman also expressed gratitude towards NELFUND and the state’s leadership for their commitment to enhancing educational access and fostering prosperity through this initiative.