Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for initiating the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which aims to make tertiary education accessible to Nigerian youths regardless of their financial backgrounds.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, made the remarks on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, while hosting a NELFUND advocacy delegation at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Gov. Fubara highlighted the significance of the education loan initiative, comparing it to similar systems in developed countries where students often rely on loans to complete their education. He noted that the Nigerian model is more student-friendly, as repayment begins two years after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, allowing beneficiaries time to secure employment.
He urged NELFUND to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure that more people, including those attending vocational institutions, benefit from the scheme.
The governor pledged the state government’s support in maximizing the program’s benefits for Rivers State residents, emphasizing the importance of the interest-free loans, which are only repayable after a two-year post-service grace period.
