By Newsmnata
The Edo State Government says it has entered partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund ((NELFUND) to extend its services to students in state-owned tertiary institutions in a bid to make tertiary education accessible and affordable to its citizens. This partnership, the government believes, would guarantee all Edo students access to tertiary education without paying school fees immediately. It will also give them access to a monthly stipend meant to offset their expenses while schooling.
Speaking at a two-day sensitisation programme for tertiary institution students across the three senatorial districts, Education Commissioner, Dr. Pally Iyamu, called on students to take advantage of this great initiative by the state government.
Stressing the government’s resolve to lessen the financial burden and obligations on parents, Dr. Iyamu said the partnership would serve as a big relief to parents who, before now had to cough out hundreds of thousands of naira for their children ‘s school fees.
He appreciated the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a road map where all students can thrive irrespective of their background.
This partnership is expected to help checkmate incidences of students’ dropout and other hindrances to attaining higher degrees due to financial restraint.
The two days sensitisation programme is scheduled to hold from 11th – 12th March, 2025 across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
Edo State Polytechnic, Usen will be used for Edo South on 11th March while AAU Student Conference Centre, Ekpoma and Edo University, Iyanmo will serve as the venue for the programme in Edo Central and Edo North respectively on March 12, 2025.
NELFUND, an education loan scheme initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, opened its portal to students of federal tertiary institutions in May 2024. It provides interest-free loans to eligible Nigerians for higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition.
Students under the scheme also get N20,000 monthly stipend. Repayment is expected to start two years after completion of NYSC.