In a major policy shift, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially extended its interest-free loan program to include students at vocational and technical skills centers across the country, with Enugu State selected as one of the first beneficiaries. During a Friday announcement at Enugu’s MSME Clinics Fashion and Garment Hub – a facility equipped with 150 industrial sewing machines – NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations Iyal Mustapha revealed the loans will now cover full tuition fees, monthly living allowances, and even provide starter toolkits for graduates of approved skills programs.
The expansion, which follows months of planning, specifically targets Nigeria’s growing technical education sector and will initially roll out in 10 states. Enugu’s fashion hub, capable of training 300-500 students at once, has been prioritized due to its existing infrastructure and partnership readiness with state authorities.
Loan Package Details
✔ 100% Tuition Coverage at accredited centers
✔ Living Stipends (exact amount being finalized)
✔ Graduation Toolkits (trade-specific equipment)
✔ Transportation Support for daily commutes
Implementation Timeline
- Enugu pilot program begins August 2024
- National portal opens for applications September 2024
- First beneficiaries to start training October 2024
