In a concerning revelation on Monday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) highlighted a troubling trend: a significantly low number of female students are applying for education loans, especially in comparison to their male counterparts. According to the Fund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, only one out of every five applications for the education loan program is submitted by women—far from an encouraging figure.
Sawyerr, who made this statement during the International Women’s Day celebrations in Abuja, was represented by Oluwatosin Sanusi, NELFUND’s Head of Investments and Funds Management. He pointed out that while the initiative aims to provide crucial financial support for students in tertiary institutions, the gender disparity in loan applications is stark, with the current ratio standing at 4:1—meaning for every four male applicants, only one female applies.
“NELFUND was established to help students with their educational fees and provide support for their overall welfare,” Sawyerr said. “But there’s also a crucial component aimed at skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training, which we’re currently rolling out. Despite this, fewer women are tapping into these opportunities.”
The skill acquisition program is designed to empower students with practical skills for the job market and offers a monthly stipend. Yet, women remain underrepresented in this area, highlighting a significant gap in access to financial resources that could help many pursue their dreams.
In response to this disparity, NELFUND is actively collaborating with female stakeholders to raise awareness about the initiative and encourage more women to benefit from it. Sawyerr stressed that the success of the program hinges on timely loan repayments, which ensure that the fund can continue to support future students, especially from government-owned institutions.
The initiative is not limited to university students alone; it also covers polytechnic students, providing access to loans for various levels of education. Sawyerr also emphasized that women’s participation is key to the overall success and expansion of the program, which has the potential to benefit thousands of students across Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, commended the government’s commitment to supporting students through initiatives like NELFUND, urging them to make the most of the available financial assistance to avoid interruptions in their education due to financial struggles. She emphasized the importance of empowering the girl-child, stressing the need for bold actions to break barriers and create more opportunities for women.
Meanwhile, Ms. Choice Enebeli, the National President of Female Students of Nigeria, expressed her support for NELFUND’s efforts to advocate for female students. “Women’s rights are human rights, and it’s vital that we continue to strive for a world where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions,” Enebeli stated. She also promised to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on the educational loans to encourage more women to apply.
As Nigeria continues to push for gender equity, the call for more female participation in educational loan programs remains urgent. Empowering women through education and financial support is not just an investment in their future but a crucial step toward achieving a balanced, thriving society.
