Ukodhiko To Isoko Students: Embrace NELFUND, Ease Parents’ Burden
Lawmaker Champions Access to Interest-Free Loans
STUDENTS in Isoko North and South Federal Constituency have been urged to take advantage of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ease the financial strain on their parents and guardians.
The call was made by Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, who represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, during a sensitization visit by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) management team to tertiary institutions in the area.
The delegation, led by NELFUND’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akintunde Sawyerr, engaged students at Southern Delta University and Delta State University as part of efforts to boost awareness and participation in the interest-free student loan scheme.
Addressing Low Enrollment
Speaking through his representative, Pastor Sunday Elueni, Ukodhiko said the sensitization programme was prompted by concerns that many students either lacked accurate information about the scheme or were reluctant to apply due to misconceptions about repayment terms.
He disclosed that prior to establishing registration centres in Isoko, enrollment figures were significantly low compared to other regions.
“Only about 200 students from Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and fewer than 100 from Delta State University, Oleh Campus, had enrolled before the intervention, while some institutions in other parts of the country recorded over 100,000 enrollees,” he said.
The lawmaker urged students not to miss the opportunity, stressing that the loan scheme is open to all eligible applicants, regardless of background.
“Enrolling in NELFUND will help reduce the financial burden on your parents and guardians. The opportunity is accessible and adequately funded,” he added.
Loan Terms Clarified
In his address, Sawyerr reiterated that the loan is completely interest-free and requires no collateral. He explained that it covers tuition fees and provides monthly upkeep allowances.
Repayment, he said, begins only after graduation, two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and upon securing employment. Deductions are capped at 10 percent of the beneficiary’s salary and remitted by the employer, while unemployed graduates are not required to pay.
He also emphasised that the application process is free and does not require intermediaries, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ensured sufficient funding for the scheme.
Management of both institutions commended Ukodhiko for facilitating the sensitization and expressed optimism that participation would increase significantly following the engagement.
