Akintunde Sawyerr, NELFUND’s CEO, confirmed the ongoing university strike will not disrupt operations. He spoke on television on October 14, 2025.
Government Negotiations
The strike coincides with federal talks. Sawyerr commended Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa’s leadership in addressing the dispute effectively.
Optimism for Resolution
Sawyerr trusts negotiations will yield fair results. He believes the ministry’s efforts will resolve the strike without impacting NELFUND.
Prioritizing Students
The loan agency focuses on student welfare. Sawyerr emphasized that the dispute will not hinder financial aid for education.
Tinubu’s Initiative
President Bola Tinubu launched NELFUND in 2024. The program remains unaffected by the strike, supporting higher education access.
Program Milestones
Signed into law on April 3, 2024, NELFUND began on July 17. The strike does not disrupt its operational framework.
Strong Application Numbers
By August 2025, over 720,000 students applied for loans. The dispute has not slowed NELFUND’s registration and processing momentum.
Monitoring Progress
Sawyerr stressed observing the strike’s developments. The agency avoids premature statements until negotiations clarify the situation further.
Education Funding Goals
NELFUND supports broader educational reforms. The strike does not derail efforts to address funding gaps for Nigerian students.
Ministerial Support
Dr. Alausa’s leadership aligns with NELFUND’s mission. Ongoing talks aim to resolve issues while maintaining student loan access.
Protecting Student Interests
The agency ensures students face no setbacks. The strike will not affect NELFUND’s commitment to supporting higher education.
Operational Resilience
Sawyerr highlighted NELFUND’s stability. The loan program continues processing applications efficiently despite the university dispute.
Systemic Impact
The initiative tackles education funding challenges. The strike underscores the need for sustainable financial solutions in Nigeria’s education sector.
Looking Ahead
NELFUND remains dedicated to its objectives. The agency will continue supporting students, unaffected by the ongoing labor dispute.
Building Confidence
Sawyerr’s assurance fosters trust among stakeholders. NELFUND’s operations will sustain educational opportunities through the current university strike.
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