The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced plans to extend its student loan scheme to include vocational and skills acquisition centres across the country, with Enugu State selected as the launch point. The rollout is expected to begin between late June and mid-July.
The announcement was made during a strategic sensitisation tour in Enugu, attended by NELFUND executives and officials of the Enugu State Government.
Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the initiative is part of the Fund’s broader goal to support technical and vocational education nationwide, including training in fashion design and other trades.
“We are working closely with the Enugu State Government to begin here. The President has directed that we prioritise states where institutions are ready to collaborate for a swift and effective rollout,” Sawyerr said. “Within the next six to eight weeks, we expect to launch the programme.”
NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Iyal Mustapha, praised Enugu’s preparedness and infrastructure following a tour of the Enugu Garments and Fashion Hub.
“Enugu has some of the best vocational training facilities we’ve seen. From technical colleges to skill centres in fashion design, the infrastructure is impressive,” Mustapha stated. “While several states are under consideration, Enugu will be among the first to benefit.”
According to Mustapha, beneficiaries of the vocational loan scheme will be able to apply through an online portal. The loan will cover training fees, provide a monthly upkeep allowance, and include start-up tools upon completion of the programme.
“We’ll identify the approved training centres per state. For applicants in Enugu, there will be designated centres. NELFUND will cover the training costs, provide upkeep, and ensure graduates receive basic equipment to begin their trade,” he explained.
He added that the scheme is still being finalised, but the aim is to reduce financial barriers to vocational training while supporting job creation through skills development.
Mr. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, and Director General of the Enugu SME Centre, said the state is fully committed to youth empowerment through skills acquisition.
“We’ve showcased our world-class facilities—from the revamped Government Technical College to the fashion hub with over 150 industrial sewing machines. We are ready to align with NELFUND to provide zero-interest loans for vocational training,” he said.
He stressed that the state’s readiness reflects its broader commitment to job creation and innovation in education.
During the engagement, NELFUND officials also toured several institutions, including the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu College of Education Technical, and Government Technical College (GTC), which is currently undergoing reconstruction.
This move represents a significant expansion of NELFUND’s mandate beyond tertiary education loans and is seen as a major boost for technical education and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
