A concerning gender disparity has emerged in Nigeria’s student loan applications, with more male students accessing financial aid than their female counterparts. The revelation was made by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, who disclosed that male applicants significantly outnumber females in the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.
Speaking at the NELFUND Women Forum Programme in Abuja, held to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, Sawyerr, represented by the agency’s Head of Investments and Funds Management, Oluwatosin Sanusi highlighted the stark gender gap in loan applications. He noted that for every four male students applying for loans, only one female student does the same, describing the ratio as “not impressive.”
The student loan initiative, introduced to provide financial relief for students in tertiary institutions, aims to cover tuition and living expenses. However, the low participation of female students has raised concerns about accessibility, financial literacy, and possible socio-economic barriers preventing women from leveraging the scheme.
To address this imbalance, Sawyerr stated that NELFUND is actively collaborating with women-focused organizations and stakeholders to increase awareness and encourage more female students to apply for financial assistance. He emphasized the need for an inclusive approach that ensures equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender.
Adding her voice to the discussion, the National President of Female Students of Nigeria, Choice Enebeli, stressed the importance of gender equality in education. She called for policies that empower women and girls to access the same educational and economic opportunities as their male counterparts.
“Women’s rights are human rights, and we must continue to strive for a world where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions,” Enebeli stated, reinforcing the call for inclusive policies that break down barriers to education.
The gender gap in student loan applications raises critical questions about why fewer women are accessing financial support for higher education. Experts suggest that cultural expectations, economic challenges, and limited awareness may contribute to the disparity. Some female students may also face greater pressure to prioritize household responsibilities over higher education, further limiting their ability to seek financial aid.
While the government’s student loan scheme is designed to support all students, targeted interventions may be necessary to ensure more female students take advantage of the opportunity. The success of these efforts will not only empower women in academia but also contribute to national development by fostering a more inclusive and educated workforce.
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