In a move aimed at enhancing access to education financing and positioning Enugu State as a key player in the digital economy, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, along with his executive team, recently met with Governor Peter Mbah.
Following the meeting, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser on Digital Economy and Director General of the Enugu SME Center, described the discussion as a major step toward leveraging student loans and vocational training to equip Enugu’s youth with globally competitive skills.
“A key outcome of our meeting was the decision to establish NELFUND’s Southeastern Regional Office in Enugu. This initiative will position Enugu as a central hub for education financing, ensuring that students across tertiary institutions in the region can easily access student loans and welfare funds.
“The establishment of a regional NELFUND office will also enhance coordination between state institutions and the loan scheme, ultimately increasing enrolment and participation,” Chilo-Offiah stated.
Acknowledging the current challenges in accessing NELFUND support within Enugu’s tertiary institutions, the state government agreed to set up a dedicated task force to:
- Engage with federal and state-owned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to guarantee their full integration into the NELFUND ecosystem.
- Implement digital awareness campaigns to encourage student participation in the loan scheme.
- Streamline institutional processes to enhance efficiency in loan disbursement and accessibility.
Chilo-Offiah emphasized that this partnership with NELFUND aligns with Enugu’s broader digital transformation goals.
“Beyond just providing financial support for education, we must ensure our youth are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a digital and innovation-driven economy. The opportunities arising from this partnership will not only offer student loans but also create new pathways for workforce development and entrepreneurship in Enugu State.”
He further revealed that, in addition to traditional student loans, NELFUND and the Enugu State Government are exploring funding opportunities for vocational training programs that align with the state’s digital economy objectives. These include:
- Solar Installation & Maintenance – Training a workforce in renewable energy technology to support Nigeria’s growing solar power sector.
- Enugu Fashion & Garment Hub – Advancing technology-driven garment production and digital fashion design, leveraging Enugu’s existing expertise in apparel manufacturing.
- Enugu Leather Production Facility – Modernizing leather processing and manufacturing through digital integration, equipping artisans with the skills to scale their businesses.
Reaffirming NELFUND’s commitment to supporting students in Enugu, Mr. Sawyerr stated:
“We are dedicated to enhancing access to education financing and skills development in Enugu State. Establishing our Southeastern Regional Office here will provide a robust framework to support students, institutions, and workforce development initiatives. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Enugu State Government to maximise these opportunities and ensure more students can secure the funding they need to succeed.”
This initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of a digitally-driven Enugu, where students, startups, and young professionals receive both financial support for education and the technical skills needed to compete in an evolving global economy.
By integrating technology into education financing and vocational training, the state is working towards closing the gap between learning, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.
The NELFUND partnership represents a significant milestone in Enugu’s journey toward becoming a hub for education, innovation, and digital transformation, paving the way for greater opportunities for students, startups, and digital entrepreneurs in the state.
