NELFUND Disburses N303bn in Student Loans, Urges North Central Students to Apply

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disclosed that about 850,000 Nigerians have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with more than one million applications received and N303 billion disbursed within the last two years.

NELFUND Managing Director, Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this on Friday at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the Renewed Hope Students Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for students in the North Central region.

Sawyerr said the student loan scheme was introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent Nigerian youths from accessing tertiary education.

According to him, the programme is designed to support students from low-income families and provide them with an opportunity to acquire education and develop their potential.

He urged students across the North Central region to take advantage of the scheme, stressing that applicants do not need political connections or personal contacts within NELFUND to access the loans.

He explained that the application process is fully digital and requires applicants to provide details such as their names, Bank Verification Number (BVN), matriculation number, JAMB registration number and date of birth.

Sawyerr also advised applicants to ensure that they are enrolled in approved government-owned tertiary institutions before applying.

He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for his efforts in strengthening communication between Nigerian students and the Federal Government.

Speaking through the Director of University Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Kareem Olawale Lateef, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the student loan programme demonstrated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigerian youths.

Alausa said the administration was focused on preparing students for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, also urged student leaders to promote academic excellence, integrity, dialogue, peace and peaceful coexistence within their institutions and communities.

He pledged to continue engaging with Nigerian students and creating platforms that would support their academic, economic and social development.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Muhammed Isa Kida, said the programme demonstrated the government’s commitment to student development and engagement.

He urged students to remain disciplined and avoid activities and lifestyles that could undermine their education and future prospects.

The event was attended by student representatives from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s North Central region.