In a strategic initiative to improve access to education financing and bolster Enugu State’s role in the digital economy, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and his executive team recently met with His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Reflecting on the meeting, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser on Digital Economy and Director General of the Enugu SME Center, stated that this discussion represented a significant move towards utilising student loans and vocational training programmes to equip the youth of Enugu with skills that are competitive on a global scale.
Hon. Chilo-Offiah noted, “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.”
LHe further pointed out that acknowledging the limited reach of NELFUND support in Enugu’s tertiary institutions, it was agreed that the Enugu State Government would create a high-powered 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.
Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah (L) and Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr (R)
-Streamline institutional processes to enhance efficiency in loan disbursement and accessibility.
Chilo-Offiah highlighted that this partnership with NELFUND is vital to advancing Enugu’s digital transformation agenda.
“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 also revealed that beyond conventional student loans, NELFUND and the Enugu State Government are exploring funding opportunities for vocational training programmes aligned with the state’s digital transformation objectives. The focus is on empowering young people with practical, future-ready skills that will fuel innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Key areas identified include:
-Solar Installation & Maintenance – Developing a skilled workforce in sustainable energy technology to support Nigeria’s burgeoning renewable energy sector.
-Enugu Fashion & Garment Hub – Integrating technology-driven garment production and digital fashion design, leveraging Enugu’s established expertise in apparel manufacturing.
-Enugu Leather Production Facility – Supporting tech-enabled leather processing and manufacturing, equipping artisans with modern tools and techniques to scale their businesses.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reiterated their commitment to ensuring students in Enugu State fully benefit from the programme, stating:
“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 collaboration aligns with Dr. Peter Mbah’s vision for a digitally-driven Enugu, ensuring that students, startups, and young professionals are not only provided with financial support for education but also equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy. By integrating technology into education financing and vocational training, we are actively bridging the gap between learning, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.
The NELFUND partnership marks a pivotal milestone in Enugu’s journey towards becoming a leading hub for education, innovation, and digital transformation. We look forward to deepening this engagement and unlocking greater opportunities for students, startups, and digital entrepreneurs in the state.
