NELFUND To Open Student Loans To Vocational Trainees

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is preparing to widen its loan scheme to include young people enrolled in vocational and skills-based programmes.

The plan was revealed on Sunday in Abuja by the agency’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, who said the expansion fits into the Federal Government’s push to develop a broader, more inclusive skills economy.

The move comes as the Tinubu administration works to support Nigerians outside the traditional university system, recognising that the country needs skilled hands as much as academic talent. Sawyerr noted that the coming phase of national growth will rely on people who can apply practical skills in areas such as construction, technology, and technical services.

NELFUND has so far provided financial support mainly to students in tertiary institutions. The new plan will extend the scheme to candidates in vocational and technical training centres across the country, giving more Nigerians access to education financing.

Sawyerr described the shift as part of a wider government effort to strengthen the skills sector. Different ministries, including Youth Development, Education, and Digital Economy, are currently running skill-building programmes ranging from trades to IT soft skills. He said Nigeria now needs a balanced talent system that supports both academic learning and hands-on competence.

According to him, the country is entering a “design, build and operate” stage where technical ability is essential for national development. He added that more details on how vocational trainees can apply for the loan will be released once the expansion plan is completed.

The upcoming extension is expected to give thousands of young Nigerians a chance to gain practical training, improve employability, and contribute to the country’s growth.