NELFUND Board Member, Lawal, Lauds Tinubu Over Student Loan Initiative

The Board Member representing students at the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Alhaji Umar Faruk Lawal, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the establishment of the Fund, describing it as a landmark intervention in Nigeria’s education sector.

In a statement made available to the press, Lawal noted that the creation of NELFUND has provided a long-lasting solution to the persistent challenges of school dropout and low enrollment in higher institutions across the country.

Established as interest-free loan, NELFUND has supported over 788,000 Nigerian students with loans and stipends amounting to over N150 billion.

Lawal emphasised that the interest-free student loan scheme has significantly eased the financial burden on students and their families, thereby expanding access to tertiary education.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth and human capital development.

He stated that many Nigerian students who would have otherwise abandoned their education due to financial constraints are now able to pursue their academic goals with renewed confidence.

Lawal also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the provision of monthly upkeep allowances under the loan scheme, noting that this support goes beyond tuition fees to address students’ day-to-day living expenses.

He described the upkeep provision as a thoughtful and student-centered policy that promotes academic focus and overall well-being.

He further reaffirmed NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of the scheme, assuring students nationwide that the Fund will continue to work diligently to ensure the sustainability and success of the program.

Lawal concluded by calling on students to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the Federal Government and to use the support responsibly in pursuit of academic excellence and national development.