Tinubu’s Student Loan Programme Expanding Access to Higher Education, Says NELFUND Board Member

By Israel Adams, Jos

Alhaji Umar Faruk Lawal, the students’ representative on the board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s investment in the student loan programme is improving access to higher education across Nigeria. Speaking with journalists in Jos, Lawal said the interest-free loan scheme has helped many students overcome financial barriers that previously prevented them from pursuing tertiary education.

According to him, student enrolment in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education has increased since the launch of the programme, as more young Nigerians can now seek admission without concerns about tuition and related costs. “Students can now focus on their studies without the fear of dropping out because of financial challenges,” Lawal said, adding that the initiative has provided opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He encouraged parents and guardians to support eligible students in applying for the scheme, noting that the loans cover tuition fees and provide monthly upkeep allowances. Lawal also highlighted the case of Oladepo Olugbenga, the overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), who publicly acknowledged the programme’s support during his academic journey.

According to recent NELFUND data, more than ₦206 billion has been disbursed to over 1.16 million students across 270 tertiary institutions nationwide. The fund said ₦128.84 billion was paid directly to institutions for tuition, while ₦77.45 billion was provided to students as upkeep allowances. Lawal described the figures as evidence of the programme’s growing impact on educational access and human capital development in Nigeria.