The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has recorded over one million applications on its student loan portal since the official launch on May 24, 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND.
According to her, the milestone underscores the far-reaching impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is restoring public confidence in government-led social empowerment programmes and making higher education more accessible to all Nigerians.
Since its inception, NELFUND has disbursed over ₦116 billion in student loans, covering both institutional fees and upkeep allowances for students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The initiative, she noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to human capital development and inclusive growth.
Speaking on the achievement, NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward equitable education financing.
“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 effort of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda,” Sawyerr stated.
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.
With this milestone, NELFUND said it stands as a shining example of an effective government initiative that is delivering real impact. The programme, it added, demonstrates that when leadership, vision, and accountability align, lasting change is possible.
NELFUND emphasized that the initiative is non-discriminatory, benefiting Nigerians of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, thereby promoting unity and shared progress through equal access to education.
As the Fund continues to expand its reach, it reaffirmed its mission to ensure that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national development due to financial limitations.
