In a major step toward making tertiary education more accessible and affordable, the Edo State Government has partnered with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to extend its services to students in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Pally Iyamu, announced the initiative in Benin, urging students across the state’s institutions to take advantage of the opportunity.
“This partnership will guarantee Edo students access to university and tertiary education without the immediate burden of school fees. Additionally, they will receive a monthly stipend to support their expenses while studying,” Iyamu stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to ease the financial strain on parents, who previously had to pay hundreds of thousands of Naira in school fees.
He also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu for their commitment to educational development.
The commissioner highlighted that the collaboration would reduce dropout rates and eliminate financial barriers to higher education.
To raise awareness, the government has scheduled a two-day sensitization program on March 11 and 12 across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
Edo South’s session will be held at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, while Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and Edo University, Iyamho, will host sessions for Edo Central and Edo North, respectively.
NELFUND, introduced by President Tinubu, provides interest-free loans for tertiary education, vocational training, and skills acquisition.
Beneficiaries also receive a N20,000 monthly stipend, with loan repayment starting two years after completing national youth service.
