The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has deepened its footprint in Ogun State with over N785 million in student loan disbursements after a high-impact sensitization programme in Ijebu-Ife.
Facilitated by Otunba Femi Adewumi and hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, the engagement significantly increased awareness and applications for the Federal Government-funded student loan scheme.
It brought together parents, students, community leaders and education stakeholders, providing practical guidance on the application process and eligibility requirements.
“Our goal was simple, to ensure that no student in our communities is left behind because of financial barriers,” Adewumi said.
He noted the programme’s success in expanding access, saying “I am proud of the impact this sensitization has achieved, and I commend NELFUND for delivering real opportunities to our young people.”
Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, in a statement, said the sensitization exercise directly contributed to increased uptake across institutions in Ogun State.
Oluwatuyi confirmed that disbursements for the 2024/2025 academic year include Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science & Technology, Omu-Ajose: where 264 students in Batch 1 received N33,575,000, while batch 2 with 59 students received N6,997,500, totaling N40,572,500
Similarly, Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, with 3,473 students received N718,585,000, while Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Batch 1 had 87 students who received N12,164,500 and 18 students in Batch 2 who received N14,779,500
Speaking on the broader impact, NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, applauded the strong collaboration with community leaders.
“Our mission is to democratize access to higher education for every Nigerian student. The support from leaders such as Otunba Adewumi and Dr. Kehinde shows what is possible when government institutions and local stakeholders work together,” he said.
The statement added that NELFUND remains committed to taking the sensitization campaign to all six geopolitical zones to ensure broad awareness and seamless access to the loan scheme nationwide.
NELFUND also expressed appreciation to Otunba Adewumi for his critical role in championing the Ijebu-Ife sensitization drive, which directly contributed to the surge in successful loan uptake in Ogun State.
The Fund reiterated its dedication to supporting every eligible Nigerian student through ongoing sensitization exercises and campus outreach programmes across the country.