FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has revealed plans to broaden its financial assistance program to include vocational skills training centers nationwide.
Speaking during a recent awareness campaign in Enugu, Iyal Mustapha, NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations, shared details about the initiative.
The awareness drive included visits to prominent institutions such as the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu College of Education, Technical, and the MSME Clinics Fashion and Garment Hub in Enugu.
Mustapha explained that NELFUND aims to provide loans to support individuals pursuing technical education in various trades, including fashion design.
According to Mustapha, Enugu is among the pioneering states for this initiative, which will cover training costs, provide stipends, and supply tools after training. While the exact stipend amount is still being finalized, institutional charges, including transportation costs, will be included in the loan.
Mustapha expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential, noting that over 10 states have already been identified for the program, with Enugu standing out as a prime example.
During the visit to the MSME Clinics Fashion and Garment Hub, he observed, “We’ve seen various skill centers, including technical colleges and vocational skills centers like fashion design. Enugu will be one of the first states to benefit from this initiative.”
The NELFUND Executive Director outlined the support structure, explaining, “We’ll open our portal for applications, and these centers will serve as training hubs. We’ll cover training costs, provide stipends, and offer working tools upon completion.”
He added that the program is designed to support vocational skills development, acknowledging the government’s growing recognition of the value of skills training.
On his part, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Digital Economy and SME Development, expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with NELFUND.
He highlighted the potential for zero-interest loans to support training in fashion, noting the hub’s capacity to accommodate over 300 students at a time.
Also speaking, Patricia Nwanneka, Acting Registrar of IMT, welcomed the initiative, suggesting that increased awareness and education would encourage more students to apply for the loan.
“The loan is beneficial, and we’ll continue to educate our students about its benefits and procedures,” she said.
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