The National Assembly South East caucus has urged tertiary institutions in the zone against self-marginalization and comply with the verification request of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for disbursement of loan to students. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the caucus leaders, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo in Abuja yesterday.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
The caucus charged tertiary institutions within the South East region to do needful necessary to be part of the beneficiaries of the NELFUND Scheme.
According to the statement, the verification would allow students from institutions in the South East zone to benefit from the national programme.
“It is important that as a people, we do not intentionally marginalise ourselves from opportunities which are open to all Nigerians.
“Those opportunities are our right and we must, like others, demand for what rightfully belongs to us,” the caucus said.
Reacting to the alleged marginalization of the South East from NELFUND’s students loan scheme, the caucus confirmed the absence of beneficiaries from the South East tertiary institutions in the list of beneficiaries.
According to the caucus, out of the N2.9 billion already disbursed to 27,667 students from 19 institutions in the country, South East higher institutions are conspicuously missing from the list.
NELFUND, in its defence, had stated that absence of beneficiaries of South East institutions was because the institutions were yet to respond to NELFUND’s request for verification of lists sent to the institutions.
The caucus, therefore, encouraged all students in the region, who needed the support, to ensure they apply for the loan.
It said that this would help ameliorate some of the challenges limiting access to higher education, self development and growth.
