Gov Aiyedatiwa Backs Tinubu’s Education Reforms, Assures Ondo Students Of Access To NELFUND Loans

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s education policy with the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, pledging that his administration would fully mobilise students across the state to benefit from the interest-free loan scheme.

The Governor gave the assurance while receiving the management of NELFUND on a courtesy visit to his office, as the agency commenced its first South-West visit of the year in Ondo State.

He described the visit as timely and symbolic, commending the decision to choose Ondo as the first port of call in the region.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the education loan initiative as a historic intervention and the first of its kind in Nigeria, noting that it complements existing bursaries and scholarship programmes by helping students to bridge financial gaps.

According to him, the scheme ensures that no Nigerian youth is denied access to university education due to poverty or lack of support.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, explained that applications are made online without the need for personal connections, with institutional fees paid directly to schools and stipends given to beneficiaries.

He added that repayment would begin two years after the completion of National Youth Service Corps service through income-based deductions, stressing that the scheme is non-punitive.