A Strategic Engagement Meeting with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Oladimeji Sawyerr, to Commend His Transformational Leadership and Discuss Strategies for Greater Inclusion of Polytechnic Students in the NELFUND Programme
As part of our unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare and educational interests of Nigerian polytechnic students, we paid a strategic advocacy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Oladimeji Sawyerr, to commend his visionary leadership and the remarkable strides the Fund has made in expanding access to higher education through student financing.
The meeting provided an opportunity for robust and forward-looking discussions on practical measures to ensure that more polytechnic students and institutions fully benefit from the NELFUND initiative.
Among the key issues discussed was the possibility of expanding the scope of the student loan programme to accommodate other essential institutional charges, including students’ union dues and other compulsory academic fees, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and promoting a more seamless academic experience.
We also passionately appealed for the consideration of a special funding intervention for tertiary institutions to support the accreditation and reaccreditation of academic programmes. We noted that delays in accreditation often have far-reaching consequences on students, including difficulties in graduating on schedule, participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, and securing employment opportunities. Such an intervention would significantly strengthen institutional capacity while safeguarding the academic and professional future of Nigerian students.
Furthermore, we explored avenues for strategic collaboration between NELFUND and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) on a nationwide sensitization and awareness campaign. The proposed initiative aims to educate and encourage eligible students across polytechnics to take advantage of the NELFUND programme, while addressing misconceptions, improving awareness of the application process, and increasing participation among deserving beneficiaries.
The engagement reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian student is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints. We remain optimistic that the ideas and recommendations presented will contribute meaningfully to strengthening the NELFUND programme and enhancing educational opportunities for students across the country.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) appreciates the warm reception accorded to us by the Managing Director and his management team and looks forward to a productive partnership that will continue to transform the lives of Nigerian students.
Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, GCNPS (ShopRite)
President, NAPS
