In a recent interview in Abuja, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr said the planned expansion reflects the Federal Government’s broader push to strengthen both academic and practical competencies across the country. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development that goes beyond conventional university pathways.
Sawyerr emphasised that national growth demands more than theoretical expertise. He argued that Nigeria needs a skilled workforce capable of translating ideas into tangible development outcomes, stressing the value of hands-on technical abilities in fields ranging from construction to digital technology.
Until now, NELFUND’s operations have largely centred on supporting students in tertiary institutions. However, Sawyerr confirmed that the framework for extending financial assistance to learners in vocational and skills acquisition centres is already being developed. The move, he said, recognises Nigeria’s need to balance academic training with practical skill sets as it pursues its next phase of development.
He highlighted that multiple government ministries — including Youth Development, Education, and Digital Economy — are currently involved in various skills initiatives, demonstrating a coordinated national approach to workforce readiness. According to Sawyerr, the country has entered what he described as the “design, build, and operate” stage, where competence in execution is as essential as conceptual knowledge.
The forthcoming policy shift is expected to open new opportunities for thousands of Nigerians seeking technical careers, potentially strengthening industries that rely heavily on skilled labour and helping to bridge the gap between education and employability.