The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concern over the low number of female applicants for its student loan scheme, revealing a 4:1 male-to-female ratio. The agency is working with stakeholders to increase awareness and encourage more female participation, emphasizing the program's importance in advancing gender equity in education.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has raised concerns over the low number of female applicants for its student loan program, stating that only one in five applications comes from female students. The Fund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed this during an International Women’s Day event in Abuja, emphasizing that the current 4:1 male-to-female ratio is not encouraging.
Sawyerr, represented by Oluwatosin Sanusi, NELFUND’s Head of Investments and Funds Management, urged more female students to take advantage of the initiative, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, and skill acquisition programs. He explained that the loan repayment process is crucial for the scheme’s sustainability, ensuring that future students can benefit.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, commended the federal government’s commitment to gender equity and encouraged female students to utilize the funds to achieve their educational goals. She stressed that bold actions are needed to break gender barriers in education.
Meanwhile, Choice Enebeli, President of Female Students of Nigeria, praised NELFUND’s efforts and pledged to launch an awareness campaign to encourage more female students to apply. She highlighted that equal access to education is a fundamental right, and increasing female participation in the loan scheme is key to empowering women in Nigeria.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to create awareness and bridge the gender gap in higher education funding.
