Broke Graduates, Rejoice! NELFUND’s Job Portal Is Your New Sugar Daddy
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced an important plan that could change the lives of thousands of Nigerian students who rely on the student loan scheme to fund their education. By 2026, NELFUND aims to launch a centralised job portal that will help student loan beneficiaries find good jobs in Nigeria and even abroad.
This news was shared by the Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, during a media event in Abuja. The event was held to mark the first anniversary of the student loan scheme. Sawyerr explained that the new portal is part of NELFUND’s mission to support students beyond just giving them loans.
Many Nigerian graduates face serious challenges when it comes to finding employment after completing their studies and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Even though they have certificates and skills, getting the right job is not always easy. NELFUND hopes that the new job portal will bridge this gap and make it easier for graduates to find work faster.
A Big Step to Reduce Graduate Unemployment
In Nigeria, the rate of graduate unemployment is still very high. Many young people graduate every year, but the number of available jobs does not match the number of new graduates entering the labour market. This situation makes it difficult for many students to pay back loans or even support themselves financially.
NELFUND’s plan is simple: students should not be left alone to struggle after graduation. The idea behind the new portal is to link loan beneficiaries with jobs in both the public and private sectors. The portal will also have job opportunities from international employers who are interested in hiring skilled Nigerian graduates.
The portal will serve as a one-stop place where graduates can find different kinds of job listings. By bringing many job opportunities together in one place, NELFUND hopes to make the job search easier and faster for its beneficiaries.
How the Job Portal Will Work
Sawyerr made it clear that while NELFUND cannot promise every graduate a job, the new portal will greatly increase their chances of finding good employment. He explained that once the portal is launched, graduates will be able to see job listings from various companies and government agencies. They will be able to apply directly through the portal and employers will also have a chance to connect with qualified candidates.
This system will help make the whole process transparent and straightforward. It will also save time and energy for graduates who often struggle to find where to search for jobs.
Repayment of Loans Tied to Employment
One of the major concerns for students who take loans is how they will repay the money after graduation. NELFUND has designed its repayment plan to be fair and flexible. Sawyerr explained that graduates will only start repaying their loans after they have secured a job and completed their NYSC.
“If you don’t have a job, you don’t pay,” Sawyerr said. “And when you eventually get a job, your repayment starts fresh.”
When a graduate finds a job, ten per cent of their monthly salary will be automatically deducted by the employer and sent to NELFUND. This system makes repayment simple and reduces the stress of remembering when and how to pay. Before the deduction starts, the employment status will be verified through NELFUND’s employment register to make sure that the beneficiary is truly working and earning an income.
This arrangement encourages students to focus on getting good jobs without the immediate pressure of loan repayment. It also shows that the government wants to make the loan scheme as student-friendly as possible.
Building Confidence in the Student Loan Scheme
When NELFUND was first introduced, some Nigerians were worried about how the loans would be managed and whether graduates would be able to repay them without falling into financial hardship. The announcement of the job portal shows that NELFUND is thinking ahead and trying to find practical solutions to the problems students face after graduation.
Many people believe that this new plan will help build trust in the student loan system and encourage more students to apply. Parents will also have peace of mind knowing that their children will not be left alone after school without any support to find work.
A Boost for the Nigerian Economy
This development is not just good news for students alone. It can also benefit the entire Nigerian economy. When more young people find work and become financially stable, they can contribute more to the growth of the country. Employed graduates pay taxes, support their families, and even start businesses of their own.
By helping graduates find jobs, NELFUND is not only supporting individual students but also boosting economic development. It will help reduce the high number of unemployed youths in Nigeria and ensure that the money invested in education loans brings positive results for everyone.
International Opportunities for Nigerian Graduates
Another interesting part of this plan is that the job portal will not be limited to Nigerian companies alone. It will also provide links to job opportunities outside the country. This means that Nigerian graduates can find work with international organisations that are looking for skilled young people from Africa.
Working abroad gives graduates the chance to gain international experience, earn higher salaries, and build their careers in new environments. It can also help attract foreign income into the country when they send money back home to support their families.
What Students Should Do Now
For students who are already benefiting from the NELFUND scheme or planning to apply in the future, this is the time to prepare themselves. It is important to focus on studies, build good skills, and be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that the new portal will offer.
Students should also work on their CVs, learn how to write good job applications, and practice interview skills. The more prepared they are, the better their chances of getting hired quickly once the portal is launched.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the plan by NELFUND to launch a centralised job portal is a welcome move that shows the agency is committed to the success of students beyond just giving loans. While the portal will not solve all employment problems overnight, it is a step in the right direction that could open doors for many graduates.
If well managed, it will help reduce the stress of job hunting and give young Nigerians hope that their education will truly lead them to a better life. For a country with millions of young, talented people, this is exactly the kind of support that is needed to move forward.
Students, parents, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the plan unfolds. If successful, it could serve as an example for other government agencies and private organisations to follow in helping Nigeria’s youth build a brighter future.
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