The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called for greater participation from female students in its zero-interest education loan program, citing a significant gender gap in applications. Currently, male students apply for the loans at a ratio of 4:1 compared to their female counterparts.
Speaking at the NELFUND Women Forum Programme in Abuja on Monday, as part of International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations, NELFUND Managing Director Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr expressed concern over the disparity. He urged female students to take advantage of the initiative to further their education and contribute to national development.
NELFUND provides loans to students in tertiary institutions to cover tuition fees and living expenses, with an additional skill acquisition component that funds entrepreneurship training, equipment, and a monthly stipend. Sawyerr emphasized that this initiative equips students with practical skills to become self-sufficient after graduation.
To bridge the gender gap, NELFUND is partnering with women’s advocacy groups to raise awareness about the loan program and ensure greater female participation. The agency is also focused on timely loan repayments to sustain and expand the initiative, making it accessible to more students across government-owned institutions.
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Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, commended the government’s commitment to gender equity in education and encouraged female students to seize the opportunity. Similarly, Ms. Choice Enebeli, National President of Female Students of Nigeria, applauded NELFUND’s efforts and pledged to spearhead a nationwide awareness campaign to encourage more female students to apply.
The education loan is available to students in federal and state-owned universities and polytechnics, while the skill acquisition loan extends to both tertiary students and non-students.
With a firm commitment to closing the gender gap in education financing, NELFUND continues to empower female students, ensuring they have the financial support needed to achieve their academic and career aspirations.