Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has emphasized the urgent need for extensive sensitization regarding the benefits of the National Education Loan Funds (NELFUND) to students in higher institutions across Nigeria. He made this call on Friday during a meeting with a delegation led by the Director of Regional Advocacy for NELFUND, Engr. Nneamaka Okafor, at the Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti underscored the importance of awareness in ensuring that students and their families fully understand and take advantage of the education loan initiative. He pointed out that a lack of adequate information has contributed to the low participation of students, particularly in the South East region, in accessing the student loan program. “If our people are well-informed about this program, they will be more inclined to participate and access the students’ loan to pursue their academic aspirations,” the governor stated. “However, we must acknowledge that the average Igbo person has a certain perception of loans, which necessitates targeted advocacy and education.”
The governor highlighted the traditional cautious attitude towards loans among the Igbo people, explaining that many individuals prefer to explore all other financial options before considering borrowing. He further noted that even business owners who take loans prioritize repayment as a matter of integrity. “Our people generally have a reserved attitude toward borrowing unless they have exhausted all alternatives. Business owners who take loans are keen on repaying them as soon as possible. This is precisely why advocacy is crucial. I am not entirely sure that people realize this loan is interest-free. Even if they do, their reluctance toward borrowing may still be an issue,” he explained.
Governor Otti stressed that more effort is needed to educate students and their families about the interest-free nature of the loan, as well as the flexible repayment terms. He reassured prospective beneficiaries that the repayment plan would only begin when they have gained financial stability. “This is an excellent initiative, especially for students from indigent backgrounds. If our people clearly understand that they will not be pursued for repayment when they have no means of livelihood, they will be more willing to apply. We must intensify sensitization efforts in institutions such as Abia State University, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, even though it is a federal university,” he added.
In light of this, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Emeh Uche, to take the lead in aggressively promoting the student loan initiative across tertiary institutions in the state. He tasked the commissioner with ensuring that students, parents, and educational stakeholders receive adequate information on the benefits and procedures of the loan scheme. The governor also assured the NELFUND delegation that Abia State is committed to supporting the initiative. He pledged to provide space for the agency to establish an office in the state and offer the necessary logistics to facilitate the smooth operation of the program.
Governor Otti seized the opportunity to highlight the remarkable impact of his administration’s free education policy at the primary and secondary school levels. He noted that since its implementation in January, the policy has led to a significant increase in school enrollments across the state. “Since we introduced the free education policy earlier this year, there has been an overwhelming surge in student registration. Initially, we thought we might have to enforce compliance. We had even considered measures such as arresting school-aged children found hawking goods and holding their parents accountable. However, we soon realized that there was no need for enforcement, as schools are now overflowing with students eager to learn,” the governor stated.
He described the development as a testament to the effectiveness of the free education policy, emphasizing that education remains a top priority for his administration. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every child in Abia State has access to quality education, regardless of their financial background. Earlier in her remarks, the Director of Regional Advocacy for NELFUND, Engr. Nneamaka Okafor, explained the purpose of her visit, which was to seek a partnership with the Abia State Government in raising awareness about the students’ loan initiative. She expressed concern over the low number of applicants from the South East region and emphasized the need for increased advocacy.
“The student loan program officially commenced in April 2024, yet the South East has recorded the lowest number of applicants. This is a concern that must be addressed, as the initiative is designed to support students in government-owned institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education,” Engr. Okafor stated. She highlighted the key features of the loan, including its interest-free structure and the flexible repayment period. According to her, beneficiaries are expected to begin repayment within ten years, with a two-year grace period after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Engr. Okafor also lauded Governor Otti’s transformative leadership in Abia State, describing him as a leader who has achieved remarkable progress across various sectors. She acknowledged his administration’s dedication to improving education and requested office space for NELFUND operations in the state. “Governor Otti has performed wonders in Abia State, and we are inspired by his dedication to education and development. We seek the state government’s support in providing an office space to facilitate our outreach efforts,” she said.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Emeh Uche, expressed her commitment to executing the governor’s directive on advocacy for the student loan scheme. She assured that her ministry would collaborate with tertiary institutions to ensure that students are fully informed about the loan and encouraged to apply. The Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Christopher Okoro, and other top government officials were also present at the meeting. They commended the initiative and pledged their support in disseminating information to students and educational stakeholders.
Governor Alex Otti’s advocacy for increased sensitization on the National Education Loan Funds is a significant step toward improving access to higher education in Abia State. His administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development, as demonstrated by the successful implementation of free primary and secondary education, further reinforces his vision for a literate and empowered society.
With the state government’s active involvement in promoting the student loan scheme and the collaboration between NELFUND and tertiary institutions, more students in Abia State and beyond will have the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial constraints. As awareness grows and more students embrace the initiative, the program is expected to bridge the educational gap and foster socioeconomic development in the region.