The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has continued its nationwide sensitization campaign with a strategic visit to the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Rivers State, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to tertiary education across the country.
The NELFUND delegation, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, was warmly received by the Rector of the institution, Dr. Victor Okolobah, alongside principal officers and members of the institution’s management team.
The visit forms part of NELFUND’s sustained engagement with tertiary institutions aimed at deepening awareness about the student loan scheme, strengthening collaboration with school authorities, and ensuring seamless access for eligible students.
In his remarks, Mr. Sawyerr emphasized that the student loan initiative represents a landmark intervention by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remove financial barriers that prevent capable Nigerian youths from accessing higher education.
He noted that the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, occupies a unique and strategic position, not only in Rivers State but within Nigeria’s energy and technical education landscape.
According to him, empowering students of such a specialized institution aligns directly with the national objective of building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“Our presence here today underscores our commitment to ensuring that no qualified Nigerian student is denied education due to lack of funds,” Mr. Sawyerr stated. “NELFUND is not just a financial intervention; it is an investment in the future of our nation. Institutions like this are critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic aspirations.”
He further assured the management and students that NELFUND remains committed to working closely with institutions to ensure timely verification of applicants and smooth disbursement processes. He reiterated the importance of accurate and prompt submission of student data by institutions to facilitate efficient loan processing and payments.
The Rector, Dr. Victor Okolobah, in his welcome address, expressed appreciation to the NELFUND team for choosing the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, as part of its sensitization tour. He described the initiative as timely and impactful, especially for students from communities within the Niger Delta who may face financial challenges in pursuing tertiary education.
Dr. Okolobah noted that the institution, which holds significant socio-economic importance for the people of Bonny and its environs, remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance student welfare and academic success. He assured NELFUND of the Polytechnic’s readiness to collaborate fully to ensure that eligible students benefit from the scheme.
Students who participated in the sensitization session were enlightened on the objectives of the loan scheme, eligibility criteria, and the responsibilities attached to benefiting from the facility. The interactive session provided an opportunity for students to ask questions, seek clarifications, and better understand how the loan can support their academic journey.