More than One Million students have so fare applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) on the students loan portal since its official launch on May 24, 2024, the NELFUND has said.
The Managing Director/CE of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr who described the feat as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards equitable education financing, revealed that since its inception, NELFUND has disbursed over ₦116 billion in student loans, covering both institutional fees and upkeep allowances to students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.
In a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, on Sunday, the Fund reaffirmed its commitment to continuous process improvement, ensuring that every qualified Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, can access education funding with transparency, efficiency, and dignity.
She quoted Sawyerr as saying that the milestone reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and inclusive growth, adding that it was restoring faith in government-led social empowerment programmes and making higher education more accessible to all Nigerians.
“Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data; it represents renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education. It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda.”
“With this milestone, NELFUND stands as a shining example of a government initiative that is working, authentic, effective, and truly transformative. The programme demonstrates that when leadership, vision, and accountability align, lasting change is possible.
“NELFUND is a non-discriminatory initiative that benefits Nigerians of all faiths and tribes Christians, Muslims, and others across diverse ethnic backgrounds. It helps unify the country by providing equal access to education and fostering shared progress.
“As the Fund continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations,” the statement partly reads.