Deconstructing NELFUND under Akintunde Sawyerr

BY ADAGHER TERSOO

Whoever advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Akintunde Sawyerr as the pioneer managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) rendered a generational and patriotic service to the country.

Since assuming leadership, Sawyerr has demonstrated courage, a wealth of fresh ideas, visionary thinking, and focused leadership in piloting the affairs of the agency.

For observers tracking the progressive agenda set by Sawyerr since his appointment, it is evident that deliberate and strategic innovations are reshaping NELFUND’s operational framework. These changes are not just administrative adjustments but part of a broader transformation strategy.

From operational protocols to general administration, NELFUND is adopting a new narrative, one that positions the agency as a critical player in the transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education subsector. The agency is being restructured to meet global standards while addressing the unique needs of Nigerian students.

NELFUND is a national loan scheme introduced by President Tinubu to ensure higher education becomes accessible to indigent students who may not have the financial capacity to pursue it. The scheme targets both prospective and current tertiary education students aged 16 and above youths either preparing to enter or already enrolled in higher institutions.

This bold initiative underscores the President’s commitment to inclusive education. The idea is simple but profound: no young Nigerian should have their academic potential cut short due to lack of funds. This principle forms the foundation upon which NELFUND was established.

Sawyerr assumed leadership with clear readiness for the task. His innovative mindset is transforming the scheme into a platform that not only provides financial assistance but also equips students with practical and market-relevant skills. During a media briefing last year, Sawyerr revealed that a “comprehensive skills acquisition programme would be introduced by the Fund to provide training in various vocational and technical fields.”

The message from his leadership has remained consistent: bold thinking, innovation, and a visionary approach. These qualities are defining the new NELFUND.

One of the most commendable initiatives under his leadership is the development of specialized software to ensure students with disabilities can access the loan scheme. This inclusive measure, announced at a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, Edo State, is being implemented in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

The choice of Sawyerr to lead NELFUND reflects not only his managerial expertise but also his strong track record in both public and private sectors. His entrepreneurial mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and sound judgment are already having a positive impact on the agency’s operations.

The development of clear blueprints and a strategic roadmap under his leadership is expected to result in standard operating procedures that will place NELFUND on par with its global counterparts. This is a crucial step in ensuring the agency’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Sawyerr brings to NELFUND over 35 years of diverse experience spanning education, private equity, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture. Known for his strategic insight and impactful leadership, he has consistently driven growth and transformation across various sectors. Born on October 6, 1964, in London, England, his journey from a solid educational foundation to industry leadership is a testament to his commitment and capabilities.

His academic journey began at Igbobi College, Lagos, and continued in the United Kingdom, where he completed his GCSEs at Royal Russell School. He proceeded to Cambridge Tutors Education Trust for his A Levels and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Royal Holloway, University of London, in 1987.

Sawyerr’s early career featured key roles in the UK’s pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He worked with leading companies including Glaxo, Quintiles, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Recordati, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Novartis, specializing in marketing, sales, and supply chain management. These roles provided a strong foundation for the high-level leadership responsibilities he would later assume.

In 2006, he transitioned to logistics, joining DHL Exel Supply Chain as Head of Supply Chain for London, where he managed a team overseeing GBP 137 million in revenue. He was later promoted to Head of Life Sciences – Oil & Gas / Consumer Products at DHL in Dubai, managing top multinational accounts across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.

At Medtronic USA Inc., Sawyerr served as Head of West Africa, leading the company’s expansion across 16 countries. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Medtronic’s presence in the region through strategic partnerships with distributors, government agencies, and healthcare institutions.

His entrepreneurial spirit led to the co-founding of ALTS Education in 2010, a Nigerian firm offering customized educational support. As Chairperson, he has facilitated access to quality education for over 1,000 students, negotiated scholarships, and organized biannual education fairs that connect Nigerian students with global institutions.

In 2012, he co-founded AFGEAN, Nigeria’s largest fresh produce cooperative. This initiative has empowered more than 2,000 farmers by addressing challenges such as post-harvest losses and market access, in collaboration with European governments and international bodies.

His passion for improving healthcare in Nigeria is evident in his role as Partner and Commercial Director at Anaesthesia & Critical Care Consultants (A3C). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in managing critical care services and securing service agreements with major hospitals.

Beyond his executive roles, Sawyerr has served as a trusted advisor to international organizations including the European Union, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, and the Rwanda Development Board. His insights have been featured by the BBC, CNBC Africa, and other global platforms.

As a thought leader, he has authored numerous articles on marketing, sales, and supply chain management, published in respected journals across the UK and Africa. He is a regular speaker at prestigious forums, including the European Development Days and the Europe-Africa Business Heads of Government Forum.

Tersoo, a critic and public affairs analyst, can be reached via [email protected]