The Nigerian government has received praise for its innovative approach to student loans, which ensures that institutional fees are paid directly to tertiary institutions. This policy aims to enhance transparency and curb financial mismanagement.

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, commended the initiative yesterday in Jos, Plateau State, during a meeting with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr. The meeting took place ahead of a sensitization visit to higher education institutions in the state.

Governor Mutfwang lauded the government’s direct payment strategy, highlighting its potential to prevent the misuse of funds and ensure students can focus on their studies without financial disruptions.

“We’ve had cases where students were offered allowances to pay for some of their school charges, and they never got there,” Mutfwang said. “It is important that you keep that channel of communication open. So when it came to exams, the school didn’t allow them to sit for exams, and it became another crisis on its own. So we need to be very firm on that.”

The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Akintunde Sawyerr to lead NELFUND, expressing confidence in his ability to drive the agency’s mandate effectively.

“Mr. President did not make a mistake by appointing you as Managing Director,” he added.

Accompanying Sawyerr on the visit were key NELFUND officials, including the Director of Client Support Services, Yemi Carson; Senior Manager of Strategic Communications, Folayemi Ogunniya; and Senior Manager Technical Advisor to the MD/CEO, Nasir Ayitogo, among others.

NELFUND’s direct payment system is expected to alleviate financial burdens on students and ensure that educational institutions receive timely and complete payments, fostering a more efficient and transparent academic environment.