Executive secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Akintonde Sawyer, has received a higher number of loan applications from institutions in northern Nigeria.
Speaking to State House Correspondents following President Bola Tinubu’s presidential launch of NELFUND, Sawyer attributed this trend to the proactive approach and effective networking of northern universities.
He said there is increasing awareness and interest in the southern regions despite initial scepticism and concerns about the legitimacy of the programme.
In an effort to end doubts among institutions in the south, Sawyerr assured that the disbursement programme is real and supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “The zones with the highest and the segments of the institutions with the highest, I can say to you that institutions in the north of the country have been very proactive at supporting and helping their students and in providing their data to us.
“So that’s where the leaning is currently, but that’s to be expected because they seem well organised regarding networking in the northern part of the country.
“In the southern part of the country, there’s growing awareness and there’s growing interest. I think there’s been a lot of scepticism, generally, and I think the most sceptical parts of the country are in the south; the question of everything, is it true? Is it real? Is it a scam? And I think what you witnessed today with us starting this disbursement programme is to say that ‘this is not NO FUND, this is NELFUND.
“We’re trying to ensure that people know that this is not a trick, it’s not a game. Mr. President has backed this with cash, and we will disburse that cash.
“So I think we’ll see the scepticism that you can find mainly in the southern part begin to disappear when we start paying out”, he said.
The NELFUND boss disclosed that the Fund recorded the highest demands from universities, followed by polytechnics and teacher training colleges, a trend he said is expected to continue.
“In terms of the three levels of institutions, the universities are the ones with the highest demand for the loans, then I think the polytechnics follow it, and then the teacher training colleges, and I think it’s probably going to remain that way, the bias is going to remain that way,” Sawyerr explained.
Sawyer affirmed that the loan scheme will positively impact many lives in the country, saying, “It’s a great privilege, great honour to be part of a programme that will change so many lives over so long a period into the future.
“The effect of providing this opportunity for needy Nigerians, most capable Nigerians in many ways, and the people who probably will look after us, or whose decisions will impact us in our old age cannot be underestimated.
“These are the most important people in the country that we’re trying to affect.
“So, I want to give all the praise and all the recognition to the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for having the vision and the courage to do what he has just done. And I’m sure you’ve all heard that fortune favours the brave, and this courageous move will bring fortune not just to him but to the entire nation”, he said.
