Nneamaka Okafor, Director of Regional Advocacy for the National Education Loan Funds (NELFUND), has revealed a worrying statistic that shows the South East region has the lowest number of applications for student loans.
Okafor shared this information during an advocacy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti. The visit took place at his Umuehim Nvosi country home.
The interest-free loans were approved last April. Beneficiaries have between two and ten years after completing their national youth service to repay.
Governor Pledges State Support
Governor Otti expressed his dissatisfaction with the low application rate and promised to raise awareness among students and the public. He stressed the benefits of the loan program.
“We need to do this because this is a very good initiative by the federal government particularly for students from indigent homes to pursue their dreams without financial constraints,” Otti said.
He believes many students are unaware of the terms. “I am sure if the students understand clearly that nobody will be chasing them around for the repayment until they secure a means of livelihood they will apply for it,” he added.
Otti assured Okafor and the NELFUND delegation of his government’s support and pledged to provide the necessary logistics the Fund needs in the state to ensure their success
The governor then directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Uche Emeh-Uche, to take action and partner with partner with TETFUND to conduct advocacy campaigns across all tertiary institutions in Abia State.
The people of the South East have historically complained of marginalization and even exclusion from federally funded projects and initiatives. A sustained advocacy could help convince them of their rights to the NELFUND loans.
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 reports the South East has the lowest application rate for student loans. Abia Governor Alex Otti pledges to increase awareness and uptake.){kind=link}