The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to extend its loan programme to vocational skills centres across the country, with implementation expected to begin within the next six to eight weeks.
Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, explained that the expansion aims to provide financial support for individuals seeking technical education at various skills centres, including fashion design and other trades.
Speaking during a strategic engagement and awareness campaign in Enugu State, Sawyerr revealed that Enugu had been identified as one of the states where the vocational training support will be launched.
“We are currently working on this and plan to hold discussions with the Governor and his team, as we want to start here. The President has also directed us to prioritise states and institutions ready to collaborate with us, to ensure a swift rollout. I believe within six to eight weeks, we will commence the programme,” he stated.
During a tour of the Enugu Garments and Fashion Hub on Friday, Mr Iyal Mustapha, NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations, noted that Enugu boasts some of the best vocational and skills training facilities among over ten states reviewed.
“Enugu is among the top states we are considering for the launch. We have seen various technical and vocational centres, including fashion design schools, and the prospects are very positive,” Mustapha said.
He added that while Enugu is not the only state to benefit, it will be among the first to receive support.
Regarding the application process, Mustapha said NELFUND will open its portal to individuals interested in vocational training, offering loans to cover training costs, provide upkeep allowances, and supply tools upon completion.
“We will designate centres in Enugu for applicants to attend. We will cover the training fees, provide upkeep support, and supply necessary working tools at the end of the course,” he explained.
On upkeep allowances, Mustapha stated that the Fund was still finalising guidelines but that the loan would include institutional charges to assist with transport to the skill centres. He emphasised that the initiative reflects government recognition of the importance of skills development in supporting communities.
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Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, expressed the state government’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and employable youth population through investments in facilities such as the Fashion and Garment Hub, ICT centres, and upgraded vocational schools like the Government Technical College (GTC).
Chilo-Offiah, who is also Director-General of the Enugu SME Centre, affirmed the state’s readiness to partner with NELFUND on the skills acquisition programme and highlighted plans to develop the Garment and Fashion Hub into a production centre for state uniforms.
“We wanted to showcase our world-class facilities to demonstrate Enugu’s readiness to participate fully in NELFUND’s skills acquisition efforts,” he said.
He added, “Enugu is prepared to make full use of the zero-interest loans for fashion training. Our Fashion Hub is equipped with around 150 industrial sewing machines and advanced monogramming equipment, capable of accommodating over 300 trainees at once, possibly up to 500.”
The sensitisation tour also included visits to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu College of Education Technical, and the Government Technical College (GTC), which is currently undergoing renovation.
