NELFUND expands student loan programme to vocational training centres
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the extension of its flagship loan programme to vocational skills centres, with Enugu State being the initial beneficiary. The initiative, aimed at supporting Nigerians pursuing technical and vocational education, will gradually extend to other states across the country.
The Executive Director of Operations at NELFUND, Iyal Mustapha, disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign held in Enugu on Friday. The event included visits by NELFUND officials to key vocational institutions, including the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu College of Education Technical, and the MSME Clinics Fashion and Garment Hub.
Speaking on the initiative, Mustapha emphasized that the programme is designed to provide financial support for vocational training, covering training costs, upkeep support, and even essential tools after the training. He highlighted that while the exact upkeep amount is still being finalized, institutional charges related to transportation will also be included in the loan package.
“Enugu is one of the first states where this initiative will be launched,” Mustapha stated. “We have visited several skill centres, including fashion design and other trades, and we are impressed by the potential we see here. The support we are offering includes payment for training costs and a stipend for upkeep, along with working tools upon completion of the programme.”
Mustapha clarified that while Enugu is among the first states to benefit, the initiative has already been extended to over ten states. “Enugu stands out due to its robust vocational infrastructure and commitment to skill development,” he added.
During a visit to the MSME Clinics Fashion and Garment Hub in Enugu, Mustapha expressed optimism about the facility’s capacity. “The centre is impressive, with various skill centres ranging from technical colleges to vocational training hubs like the fashion design centre. This is a positive indicator for us at NELFUND as we prepare to launch our vocational support initiative here.”
In support of the programme, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Digital Economy and SME Development and Director General of the Enugu SME Center, affirmed the state’s readiness to absorb the support from NELFUND. He emphasized the zero-interest loans for training in fashion and noted that the hub is equipped with over 150 industrial sewing machines and advanced monogramming equipment, with a seating capacity of 300 to 500 trainees at any given time.
“We are ready to collaborate with NELFUND to ensure that vocational trainees get the necessary financial support to advance their skills,” Chilo-Offiah said.
Patricia Nwanneka, Acting Registrar of IMT, Enugu, also commended the initiative, urging students to leverage the opportunity. “The loan programme is a great initiative, and now that more people are aware of it, we will continue to educate our students on how to apply and maximize its benefits,” she said.
The NELFUND vocational loan programme represents a strategic effort to empower Nigerian youths with practical skills, enhancing their employability while promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises.