The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has approved the disbursement of over N20 billion to support 192,906 students in public tertiary institutions across the country. The announcement, made on Monday via an update on X (formerly Twitter), highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to ease the financial burden on Nigerian students.
According to NELFund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, the new disbursement of N20,075,050,006.55 follows the agency’s previous distribution of N110 billion to students nationwide. The latest funds were approved as of January 1, 2025, with Northern universities emerging as the biggest beneficiaries.
Bayero University, Kano, topped the list with 11,683 students approved to receive N1.3 billion, while the University of Maiduguri followed closely with 12,198 students sharing N1.27 billion.
Other notable beneficiaries include:
- University of Jos: 6,988 students to receive N941 million.
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma: 8,978 students to benefit from N909 million.
- University of Ibadan: 4,907 students to share N746 million.
- Federal University Dutse: 5,451 students to receive N593 million.
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto: 6,480 students to get N578 million.
- University of Lagos: 3,685 students approved for N557 million.
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Smaller Institutions Receive Modest Allocations
Meanwhile, institutions with fewer beneficiaries received smaller disbursements. For instance, at Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, only four students will share N122,000, while Abia State Polytechnic will disburse N106,300 to just two students.
Other institutions with modest allocations include:
- Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe: Three students to receive N214,116.
- Kenule Benson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori: Seven students to share N315,500.
- Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi: Three students to get N330,000.
- Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom: 11 students approved for N518,500.
- Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State: Nine student to receive N368,400.
- Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri: 12 students to share N528,500.
The fund’s Managing Director reiterated NELFund’s commitment to supporting students in public institutions. “This disbursement reflects our determination to make education accessible and reduce the financial burden on Nigerian students,” Sawyerr said.
The fund’s efforts aim to ensure equal opportunities for students across regions, although the larger allocations to Northern universities underscore the significant demand in those areas.
NELFund’s latest initiative is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of students struggling with tuition and other educational expenses. With the approval of over N20 billion, the Federal Government reinforces its focus on education as a key driver of national development.
As beneficiaries across the country receive the funds, students and educational stakeholders alike hope for continued support to bridge financial gaps in the nation’s education sector.