The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) will extend its interest-free loan program to vocational and skills acquisition centers nationwide, with Enugu State chosen as the pilot location. The initiative, announced during a stakeholder engagement in Enugu, aims to support technical education in trades such as fashion design, tailoring, and other vocational skills. Managed by NELFUND, the scheme is set to launch within six to eight weeks, prioritizing states like Enugu with advanced infrastructure and government readiness.
NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s directive to focus on regions prepared to collaborate, citing Enugu’s Garments and Fashion Hub and upgraded technical colleges as exemplary facilities. Executive Director of Operations Mustapha Iyal praised the state’s “world-class” vocational centers, confirming Enugu will be among the first beneficiaries. The loans will cover training fees, monthly stipends, and post-training toolkits, accessible via an online portal once operational.
Enugu officials, including Special Adviser Arinze Chilo-Offiah, highlighted the state’s readiness, noting the fashion hub’s 150 industrial machines and capacity to train hundreds. The program aligns with broader goals to reduce unemployment and boost economic growth through skills development. While Enugu leads the rollout, NELFUND plans to expand the scheme to over 10 states, leveraging existing vocational hubs to empower youths and artisans nationwide.
