NELFUND: Nigerian students praise federal loan for reducing financial pressure

Students across Nigeria have praised the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), calling it a major improvement in the country’s education system.

At a recent education expo in Lagos, several students shared how the loan programme has helped them in their studies and daily lives.

Chiamaka Oshite, a Mass Communication student at the University of Cross River State, said the loan has been a big help. It allowed her to buy textbooks and keep up with her schoolwork.

Aisha Falalu, who studies Biology at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina, said the loan has helped reduce her dependence on her parents, who give her a N20,000 monthly allowance. She now pays for practicals, assignment printing, and transportation by herself.

Khadija Sonibare, a Pharmacy student at the University of Ibadan, said the loan has reduced the financial pressure on her father. “Now I can focus more on my studies without worrying about asking my dad for money all the time,” she said.

Samuel Udeh, who studies History and International Studies at the University of Uyo, said the programme is helping him achieve his dream of becoming a diplomat and starting a radio station.

The Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, called the programme a major step by President Bola Tinubu to make higher education more accessible.

“This is a life-changing plan. It’s not just about giving money, it’s about changing the education system for the better,” Sawyerr said.

Education expert Muda Ojo said the costs of school can be too much for many students. He added that NELFUND helps by covering both school fees and living expenses, and that the loan application process is simple and available online.

Since it started on May 24, 2024, NELFUND has given out over N81 billion in loans to 396,252 students in 214 higher institutions across all 36 states and the FCT, as of August 7, 2025.