Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), announced that the student loan initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reached 850,000 beneficiaries. Within two years, the fund has processed over one million applications and distributed N303 billion in total.
Speaking at the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, Sawyerr emphasized that the President intends to eliminate financial barriers for students from low-income families. He stated that the government refuses to allow economic hardship to prevent young Nigerians from pursuing higher education. The application process is fully digital, requiring no personal connections or intermediaries. Students simply need to provide their details, including their BVN, matriculation number, and JAMB registration, through the online portal.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, noted that the scheme demonstrates a dedication to fostering leadership and digital innovation among the youth. Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday, highlighted that the administration has successfully maintained three years of uninterrupted academic activity in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
The event, which brought together students from across the North Central region, also featured remarks from the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Muhammed Isa Kida. He urged students to remain disciplined and to take full advantage of the resources provided to support their academic growth.
