The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to introduce a centralized job portal by 2026, aimed at linking student loan beneficiaries with employment opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally. This development is part of the fund’s broader efforts to enhance the impact of the student loan scheme and support graduates toward financial independence.
According to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, the job portal will aggregate job listings from public and private sectors, as well as international organizations seeking to hire Nigerians. The portal is designed to support graduates’ transition into the labor market, providing them with early access to job opportunities. Sawyerr emphasized that while NELFUND does not guarantee employment for its beneficiaries, the initiative aims to provide them with a platform to explore various job prospects.
The launch of the job portal is scheduled for 2026, and it is expected to play a significant role in supporting the journey of student loan beneficiaries toward economic stability. As Sawyerr noted, “We don’t just give loans and leave students on their own. This job portal is our way of supporting their journey toward economic stability.” The portal will also align with NELFUND’s repayment structure, which stipulates that beneficiaries are not required to repay their loans until they secure employment .
This initiative is a welcome development for graduates in Nigeria, who often face significant challenges in securing employment. By providing a platform that connects them with potential employers, NELFUND is taking a proactive approach to addressing the issue of graduate unemployment. As the job portal becomes operational, it is expected to benefit thousands of graduates who have accessed the student loan scheme, enabling them to secure jobs and repay their loans.
