WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced yesterday that the student loan application online will be open on May 24, 2024. “The management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) led by its Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr are thrilled to announce the 24th of May, 2024 as the official date for the opening of the portal for student loan applications,” NELFUND spokesman Nasir Ayitogo said. NELFUND stated that “through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints. “The portal provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently,” the statement further read. “We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation. “Students can access the portal on http://nelf.gov.ng to begin application.” It noted that the move is a “significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students”. Recall that on April 3, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Student Loan Amendment Bill into law. Tinubu signed the student loan bill into law in June 2023 to provide financial help to Nigerian students enrolled in educational institutions. While the bill was signed earlier, its implementation has been delayed due to a variety of reasons. The signing followed separate discussions by the National Assembly’s two houses committees on tertiary institutions and the TETFund. “We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes. This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.” “We are here because we are all educated and were helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of college and give up the opportunity. That is no more, the standard and the control is there for you to apply no matter who you are as long as you are a Nigerian citizen.” Following the signing of the student loan bill into law on April 5, President Tinubu named the Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s management team. Akintunde Sawyerr was appointed Managing Director/CEO, while Frederick Oluwafemi Akinfala and Mustapha Iyal were named Executive Directors, Finance & Administration and Operations, respectively. On April 26, the President appointed Jim Ovia as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).