The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Mr. Khalil Halilu, at the agency’s headquarters in Idu, Abuja.
The visit underscores NELFUND’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with key national institutions to expand access to education, promote skills development, and enhance economic empowerment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Mr. Sawyerr, who was accompanied by a delegation of senior staff, was warmly received by the NASENI leadership. As part of the engagement, the NELFUND team was taken on a guided tour of NASENI’s state-of-the-art facilities, offering firsthand insight into the agency’s innovations, technological advancements, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at driving Nigeria’s industrialisation and self-reliance.
Discussions during the visit focused on a proposed collaboration between both institutions, particularly in the area of human capital development. The two organisations explored opportunities to jointly design and implement training programmes targeting beneficiaries across both formal and informal sectors. The initiative is expected to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that will enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and productivity.
The proposed partnership seeks to leverage NASENI’s technical expertise and infrastructure alongside NELFUND’s mandate of providing financial support for education and skills acquisition. It is also aimed at creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled manpower aligned with Nigeria’s broader development objectives.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the potential impact of the collaboration and a shared commitment to further engagements to finalise the framework for partnership, with a view to advancing youth development and socio-economic growth in the country.