The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has recorded over one million applications on its student loan portal, marking a major milestone in the drive to expand access to higher education in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Fund said the achievement reflects the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education and social empowerment.
Since its launch on May 24, 2024, NELFUND has disbursed more than ₦116 billion in student loans, covering tuition and upkeep allowances for students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, described the development as a “defining moment” for education financing in Nigeria.
“Crossing the one-million mark represents renewed hope for young Nigerians determined to overcome financial barriers to education. It’s a testament to visionary leadership and effective collaboration among all stakeholders,” he stated.
Sawyerr reaffirmed NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and fairness, assuring that the Fund will continue to improve its operations to ensure every qualified student benefits, regardless of background or location.
He added that NELFUND remains a non-discriminatory initiative, uniting Nigerians across all faiths and ethnicities through equal access to educational opportunities.
The Fund reiterated its mission to ensure that no Nigerian is denied higher education due to financial constraints, pledging to sustain its transformative role in human capital development.
For further information, NELFUND urged the public to reach out via info@nelf.gov.ng or through its verified social media handles: @nelfund on X and Instagram, and Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND on Facebook and LinkedIn.
