The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concern over the low representation of female students accessing its loan facilities. During an International Women’s Day event, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed a disheartening statistic: for every four male applicants, there is only one female applicant. This gender disparity raises serious questions about the accessibility and awareness of the loan program among female students, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to bridge this gap. NELFUND offers loans to students in tertiary institutions to cover tuition fees and welfare expenses, as well as a skill acquisition program that provides financial support for entrepreneurial training and equipment purchases. While the skill acquisition program also includes a monthly stipend, the low participation of female students limits their potential to benefit from this valuable opportunity.
NELFUND recognizes the urgency of addressing this imbalance and is actively collaborating with women stakeholders to raise awareness about the loan program and encourage more female students to apply. This collaborative approach aims to dispel any misconceptions or barriers that might be preventing women from accessing the fund. Ensuring that female students are aware of and comfortable applying for financial aid is essential for promoting gender equality in education and empowering women to pursue their academic and career aspirations. The long-term sustainability of the loan program relies heavily on the timely repayment of loans by beneficiaries upon graduation and securing employment. This repayment cycle allows the fund to replenish its resources and extend its reach to a wider pool of students across all government-owned tertiary institutions.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, commended the government’s initiative and urged students to take advantage of the available financial resources to ensure uninterrupted studies. Recognizing the importance of empowering female students, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need for girls to seize every opportunity to overcome societal barriers and achieve their dreams. This encouragement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting gender equity in education and creating a level playing field for all students. Achieving gender equity necessitates bold and immediate action, and proactive measures are required to dismantle barriers and create equal opportunities for women and girls in all spheres of life.
The Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to gender equity by investing in gender-balanced initiatives. These initiatives aim to address systemic inequalities and create an environment where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions. By prioritizing gender equity, the government aims to unlock the full potential of its female citizens and contribute to the overall social and economic development of the nation. The National President of Female Students of Nigeria, Ms. Choice Enebeli, lauded NELFUND’s efforts to advocate for female students’ access to educational loans. Recognizing that women’s rights are fundamental human rights, Ms. Enebeli stressed the importance of continuous efforts to create a world where women and girls enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
Ms. Enebeli pledged to spearhead a nationwide awareness campaign to inform female students about the availability of educational loans. This campaign will play a crucial role in disseminating information about the loan program, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. By reaching out to female students across the country, Ms. Enebeli aims to empower them to take advantage of this financial resource and pursue their educational goals without financial constraints. This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of student leaders to advocate for the rights and welfare of their peers, particularly in addressing the gender gap in access to education.
The concerted efforts of NELFUND, government officials, and student leaders represent a significant step towards promoting gender equality in education. By addressing the low representation of female students in accessing educational loans, these stakeholders are working to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape in Nigeria. Ensuring that financial aid is accessible to all students, regardless of gender, is paramount for fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to national development. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness, encourage applications, and facilitate access to educational loans for female students are vital for achieving this goal.
