𝐒𝐒𝐃𝐂, 𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) aimed at empowering youths across the region through education financing and clean energy initiatives.

During an engagement with NELFUND’s management in Abuja, the Managing Director of SSDC Usoro Akpabio underscored the synergy between both agencies, emphasizing that youth empowerment and education are central to the region’s development strategy.

“Our power revolution in the South-South depends on more than just infrastructure, it depends on our people,” she stated. “We are ensuring our youths are financially empowered by linking skills acquisition in the renewable energy sector with the financial support provided by NELFUND.”

The SSDC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritizing youth-centered development, noting that the collaboration will enable young people to access affordable loans for education and skills trainingparticularly in renewable energy and digital innovation.

In his remarks, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to partner with SSDC, clarifying that the student loan scheme currently applies to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions. He explained that funds are disbursed through schools after verification, with ₦20,000 monthly welfare stipends paid to eligible students.

Sawyer added that NELFUND welcomes collaborations for scholarship and empowerment initiatives, hinting at future privatization to expand its reach while maintaining its core mission of supporting Nigerian students.

The SSDC had earlier unveiled plans to electrify all rural communities in the South-South through renewable energy projects in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The initiative aims to bridge the region’s energy gap and stimulate economic growth by powering agricultural clusters, schools, and health centers.

Together, SSDC and NELFUND are positioning the South-South region as a hub for clean energy, education-driven growth, and sustainable youth empowerment.