The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has highlighted a concerning gender disparity in its education loan applications. Male students are applying for the Federal Government’s zero-interest education loans at a rate four times higher than their female counterparts. This male-to-female application ratio stands at 4:1, a trend that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) seeks to address. The initiative aims to make education more accessible to students, but women are not fully utilizing these opportunities.
Understanding the 4:1 Gender Gap in Education Loan Applications
Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director of NELFUND, made this observation during the NELFUND Women Forum Program held in Abuja on Monday. This event coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025. Sawyerr, represented by Ms. Oluwatosin Sanusi, NELFUND’s Head of Investments and Funds Management, emphasized the need for more female students to apply for the government’s education loan scheme.
According to Sawyerr, the data suggests that female students are not making full use of this opportunity. For every four male applicants, only one female applicant is participating. This 4:1 ratio was described as disappointing by Sawyerr, who highlighted the urgent need to encourage more female students to take part in the scheme.
What Is NELFUND’s Education Loan Initiative?
The NELFUND initiative was created to offer interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. These loans are designed to help cover educational costs such as tuition fees, books, and general welfare. The initiative’s main objective is to make education more affordable for Nigerian students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from achieving their academic goals.
However, despite the considerable advantages of this loan scheme, the gender disparity in applications remains concerning. Sawyerr’s comments highlight that the underrepresentation of female applicants is an issue that requires urgent attention. He stressed that the NELFUND initiative could potentially support many more students if more females participated, helping to bridge the gap in educational access for women.
Skill Acquisition Program to Empower Students
Alongside its educational loan offerings, NELFUND also incorporates a skill acquisition component to empower students with practical, hands-on skills. This part of the program is specifically designed to provide entrepreneurship training. Students participating in this component can acquire new skills while receiving financial support, giving them the tools to become self-sufficient after graduation.
Sawyerr revealed that the skill acquisition program provides students with a monthly stipend and funding for equipment needed for entrepreneurial training. However, the uptake of this program has been notably lower among female students. This is an area that NELFUND is actively working to improve, as it believes that more women can benefit from the skills and financial support offered by the initiative.
Strategies to Encourage More Female Participation
Recognizing the gender gap in the NELFUND application process, NELFUND has begun collaborating with female-focused organizations and stakeholders to raise awareness about the benefits of the loan and skill acquisition programs. Their goal is to increase the number of female applicants and ensure that more women can take advantage of this valuable initiative.
Sawyerr emphasized the importance of timely loan repayment, stating that it plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program. He noted that if students, both male and female, repay their loans on time, the initiative will be able to grow and support even more students in the future.
Furthermore, NELFUND’s education loan is available to students from various levels of education, including those in universities and polytechnics, both in federal and state-owned institutions. The skill acquisition loans, on the other hand, are not limited to tertiary students and are available to a wider range of individuals.
Support from Government and Advocacy Groups
Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, the Minister of State for Education, also weighed in on the discussion, praising the Nigerian Government’s commitment to promoting gender equity in education. She urged female students to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them. Represented by Dr. Mufida Hussain, Ahmed highlighted the need for decisive action to break down barriers for female students and emphasized the government’s investment in gender-balanced initiatives to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder girls’ education.
Additionally, Ms. Choice Enebeli, the National President of Female Students of Nigeria, commended NELFUND’s efforts to address the gender gap in education loan applications. Enebeli stressed that women’s rights are human rights, and she called for a continued push toward ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions. She announced plans to lead a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at encouraging more female students to apply for NELFUND loans.
Encouraging Women to Take Initiative
Mrs. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, encouraged female students to take a proactive role in seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them to come. She emphasized the importance of seizing available opportunities and taking charge of one’s future. Nweze’s words were aimed at motivating women to become active participants in their educational journeys and to explore all possible avenues for advancement.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gender Gap in Education Loans
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s 4:1 male-to-female application ratio is a clear indicator of the need for increased female participation in educational initiatives. By encouraging more women to apply for these loans, NELFUND hopes to bridge the gender gap and empower more females to pursue higher education and entrepreneurship. The support from both governmental bodies and advocacy groups will be instrumental in achieving this goal, but it is ultimately up to the female students themselves to take action and make the most of these opportunities. With increased awareness and participation, more women can benefit from NELFUND’s initiatives, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all students in Nigeria.