How Education Loans Can Help Abia Students: Gov. Otti Calls for Massive Sensitization

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has emphasized the urgent need for increased sensitization on the benefits of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to encourage student participation in the program.

Governor Otti made this call on Friday while receiving a delegation led by Engr. Nneamaka Okafor, the Director of Regional Advocacy, National Education Loan Funds. He stressed that many students and their families remain unaware of the program's full benefits, particularly its interest-free nature, which could significantly ease financial burdens for those pursuing higher education.

According to the Governor, many individuals, particularly in the Southeast, have a conservative attitude towards loans due to fears of debt accumulation. He highlighted that a strong advocacy campaign is necessary to change this perception and encourage eligible students to apply.

"Our people generally hesitate to take loans unless it is a last resort. Even business owners prefer to clear debts quickly. Many students may not realize that this education loan is interest-free, and they won't be pressured to repay it until they secure employment. We need to intensify sensitization efforts, particularly across institutions like Abia State University, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike,ÔÇØ Otti stated.

The Governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Emeh Uche, to take responsibility for aggressive awareness campaigns across Abia's tertiary institutions.

Governor Otti assured the NELFUND delegation that his administration is ready to assist in the program's implementation by providing office space and logistical support to ensure smooth operations within the state.

Highlighting the success of his administration's free primary and secondary education policy, he noted a sharp increase in school enrollments since its introduction.

"Since we started in January, there has been a massive surge in enrollments. Initially, we thought enforcement might be necessary, but we soon realized people genuinely wanted to go to school. Schools are now bursting with students, and there is no need to arrest children for hawking because they are eager to get an education,ÔÇØ he explained.

Earlier, Engr. Nneamaka Okafor, the Director of Regional Advocacy for NELFUND, expressed concerns over the Southeast's low application rates for the loan program, which began in April 2024. She emphasized that the loan is available to students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with repayment commencing two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, spread over ten years.

She commended Governor Otti's administration for its infrastructural and educational reforms and requested office space to facilitate the agency's activities in the state.

Among those present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Emeh Uche, and the Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Christopher Okoro.

[caption id="attachment_185835" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Governor Alex Otti[/caption]