This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s workforce and align with the Federal Government’s focus on both education and skills development.

NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed that the extension of the loan scheme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering inclusive human capital development. He emphasized that the move goes beyond traditional university education and reflects the need for practical skills in the workforce.

“No nation is built solely by philosophers,” Sawyerr stated. “It’s crucial to have individuals who can apply their hands, energy, and skills to turn ideas into action, especially those who graduate from vocational training programs.”

While NELFUND has primarily provided financial support to students in tertiary institutions since its establishment, Sawyerr confirmed that plans are underway to extend the loan program to individuals enrolled in vocational and technical courses across Nigeria. He noted that a balanced combination of academic and technical expertise is essential for Nigeria’s future development.

“Nigeria’s next phase of growth demands both academic knowledge and hands-on technical skills,” Sawyerr said. “We have a mandate to support vocational skills development, and while we have not fully rolled out this initiative yet, the federal government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, has made it clear that skills development is a top priority.”

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He further highlighted that multiple government ministries are already involved in skills training, including the Ministries of Youth Development, Education, and Digital Economy, which is focusing on IT and soft skills.

“It’s not just about engineers who can design; it’s about engineers who can also build and operate,” Sawyerr continued. “As a country, we’re entering a stage where the focus is on designing, building, and operating. This is a critical phase in Nigeria’s development.”

NELFUND’s expansion into vocational education aims to equip a wider pool of Nigerians with the skills necessary to drive the nation’s economic progress and foster sustainable growth in various sectors.

Source: Punch