Breaking Barriers: Toun Okewale Sonaiya Urges Women to Seize Educational Opportunities

The slow pace of progress in women’s education must change, and urgent action is needed to break financial and societal barriers limiting female students, says Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO/MD of Women Radio 91.7 FM.
Speaking at the NELFUND Women Forum Program in Abuja, held in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, Sonaiya emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for women’s empowerment and national transformation. She urged female students to take full advantage of the Federal Government’s zero-interest education loan provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“Education is a catalyst for Nigeria’s development. When women and girls are educated, they participate in the economy, take up leadership roles, and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said.
Sonaiya praised NELFUND for creating financial opportunities for female students but expressed concern over the low number of women applying for these loans. “Education is power, and financial constraints should not prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. Yet, the statistics show that fewer women are benefiting from this initiative. This must change,” she added.
She urged female students to not only apply for the loan but to use their education as a stepping stone to leadership and economic independence. “An educated woman is an empowered woman. It is not just about individual success but about lifting entire communities and transforming Nigeria,” she said.

Women Must Take Advantage of Education Loans – NELFUND

Also speaking at the event, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, represented by Oluwatosin Sanusi, Head of Investments and Funds Management, revealed that only one out of five applicants for the education loan is female, a statistic he described as disappointing.
“The NELFUND initiative is designed to support students in tertiary institutions by covering their tuition and welfare. It also includes a skills acquisition program that provides financial support for vocational training and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He emphasized that the program offers a monthly stipend for students in skill-based training, yet female participation remains low. “Currently, for every four male applicants, there is only one female applicant. We need to change this narrative by encouraging more women to take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.
Sawyer assured that NELFUND is actively working with stakeholders, including women-led organizations, to raise awareness and increase female participation in the loan scheme.

Government Commitment to Gender Equity

Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, represented by Dr. Mufida Hussain, Special Assistant to the Minister on Education and Quality Assurance, echoed the need for bold action in ensuring equal access to education for women.
“Achieving gender equity requires swift and decisive steps. We cannot afford to wait; we must act now to break barriers and create opportunities for women and girls,” she said.
Ahmed reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to gender-balanced initiatives, stating that policies are being put in place to ensure girls have equal access to education and career opportunities.

Female Students Must Seize the Opportunity

Choice Uchena-Enebeli, National President of Female Students of Nigeria, commended NELFUND for its advocacy and urged young women to step forward and claim their right to education.
“Women’s rights are human rights, and we must continue to fight for a world where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions,” she said.
She pledged to lead an awareness campaign across the country to ensure more female students take advantage of the education loan scheme.
Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, also encouraged female students to be proactive. “Women should not wait to be offered opportunities, they should seize them. Education is the foundation for that empowerment,” she said.

A Call to Action

The message from the event was clear: education remains the key to empowering Nigerian women and bridging gender gaps in leadership, entrepreneurship, and national development. With financial support now available through NELFUND, female students must take bold steps to secure their future. The time to act is now.

Diana Omueza
news@wfm917.com