The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has trained staff from its Human Resources, SERVICOM, Legal, Client Support, and Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in a two day capacity building programme, as the agency disclosed it has disbursed more than N303 billion to over 1.6 million beneficiaries across more than 315 tertiary institutions since the student loan scheme commenced in May 2024.

The Programme, which drew facilitators including human resource consultant Victor Ekundayo, consultant Akeem Lawal, and Tejan Ibrahim of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), covered sessions on business success through the HR Imperative Framework, ethical conduct and compliance, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. SERVICOM Director Olusola Fowobaje examined NELFUND's Service Delivery Standards and Complaints Resolution Mechanism, while Segun Aina of CIPM concluded with sessions on enterprise innovation and leadership for operational turnaround.

Director of Human Resources at NELFUND, Dr Zino Ugboma, who oversaw the initiative, stated that the objective was to build a workforce capable of delivering efficiently on the Fund's mandate. He noted that although the loan application and disbursement process is largely technology driven, dedicated personnel remain responsible for ensuring the system functions effectively.

"I hope to see a better equipped workforce. We have issued over 1.6 million loans to Nigerian students, and although the process is technology driven, there are still people behind the system who ensure these loans reach the beneficiaries. Our workforce must therefore be equipped with the right tools to deliver on our mandate," Ugboma stated.

Fowobaje disclosed that the training marked a new phase in the Fund's capacity building strategy, allowing participants to interact directly with directors, consultants, and other professionals in smaller batches. He revealed that the Managing Director had directed that every department and unit undergo similar training, with capacity building programmes now scheduled quarterly.

Participants from departments including Legal, Procurement, and SERVICOM described the sessions as practical and relevant, citing lessons on emotional intelligence, workplace ethics, and time management as particularly useful for their daily responsibilities.

NELFUND is the agency implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's student loan programme, which provides interest free loans covering institutional fees and upkeep for eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.