Final-year student’s ‘Thank You NELFUND’ sparks Online praise for Student Loan

A final-year student from the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), known as King Jack, has ignited a wave of online excitement after displaying a heartfelt message of gratitude to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) during his sign-out celebration.

The bold inscription, “Thank You NELFUND,” written on the back of his white shirt alongside congratulatory signatures from peers, has turned a moment of academic triumph into a viral sensation on X.com, sparking widespread praise for the federal government’s student loan initiative.

The image, first shared by Akwa Ibom Hypeman (@romeocza), captured King Jack’s jubilant moment of completing his studies, with a caption lauding the student’s appreciation for NELFUND: “I like this guy. Signed out of UniUyo and appreciated NELFUND, that’s a W for the student loan programme of President Tinubu. I thought it was a scam.”

The post quickly gained traction, prompting netizens to celebrate the impact of NELFUND, launched in May 2024 by President Bola Tinubu to provide interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The online response has been overwhelmingly positive, with users highlighting the transformative effect of the program. Foundational Nupe Lawyer (@egi_nupe) advocated for recognition of King Jack’s gratitude, stating, “NELFUND should give that guy automatic employment, if they have a role for him. Takes a good mind to acknowledge such an initiative that’s widely condemned.” Similarly, Ayooluwa Phillip (@DePaytez) shared how NELFUND has alleviated financial burdens in his department: “School fees’ contribution for students who couldn’t pay disappeared in my department when NELFUND came. A guy had to start from 200L again as his colleagues graduate because of school fees. I know generations will remember PBAT.”

Other users echoed the sentiment, with Steeze (@EmmanuelJo59434) affirming the program’s impact: “I applied for my younger sister studying nursing in BUK, and she has been getting the tuition fees and upkeep allowance since 2024, it’s real.” Ashir A.A (@Abdull155128421) emphasized the need to acknowledge positive initiatives, stating, “People need to acknowledge the good work; we don’t have to always concentrate on the bad. Nation building is a gradual process. Nigeria will be great!!!” NaijaDentist (@kayode_MK) provided data to underscore the program’s reach: “Nearly 400,000 students have already benefitted from the student loan scheme (NELFUND), with over N77bn disbursed for tuition and upkeep.”

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 for quality education, Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025), and the Renewed Hope Agenda (2023–2031). Since its launch on May 24, 2024, NELFUND has disbursed over N77 billion to 396,252 students across 210 tertiary institutions in Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering tuition fees and monthly upkeep allowances. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and empower Nigerian youths by promoting access to quality education and employability.

King Jack’s public gratitude has not only highlighted the personal impact of NELFUND but also sparked a broader conversation about the program’s role in transforming lives. As the initiative continues to gain traction, it remains a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerian students pursuing higher education.