In Nigeria’s advancing education sector, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has emerged as more than a financial support program—it is a transformative initiative that is reshaping the lives and aspirations of students across the country.
Through a process marked by transparency, efficiency, and accountability, NELFUND is ensuring that financial barriers no longer dictate the academic journey of thousands of undergraduates.Recent disbursements and heartfelt testimonials from both students and institutions highlight the program’s impact—not just in easing financial strain but in empowering beneficiaries to focus fully on their studies and personal growth.
Universities across Nigeria have praised NELFUND for its clear, accountable processes and seamless disbursement systems.The University of Delta, Agbor, confirmed the receipt of ₦123,456,350.00 for 641 students on 4th July 2025, describing the milestone as “a significant step towards expanding access to quality higher education.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella C. Chiemeke, emphasized that the timely support will empower students “to focus on their academic pursuits and personal development,” while assuring full cooperation to maintain transparency and adherence to loan utilization guidelines.
Similarly, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) acknowledged the receipt of ₦107,788,700.00 for 863 students for the 2024/2025 academic session. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie commended NELFUND’s transparent service to the education sector and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promptly transferring the funds to students’ bank accounts.
The true essence of NELFUND’s impact is found in the personal stories of its beneficiaries—students whose educational paths have been transformed by this initiative. Enoabasi Henshaw, a 400-level Political Science and Education student at the University of Uyo, shared how the loan arrived at a critical moment: “It happened at a time when I lost hope.
One night I just opened my portal and saw that the school fees had been paid… The upkeep also helps a lot—assignments, printouts, seminars, projects—everything needs money.”For Enoabasi, who has been financially independent since his mother’s passing, NELFUND not only secured his tuition but also allowed him to contribute to his household, easing his father’s burden.
He envisions a future in politics and education, and shares that he chose political science and education because he wants to go into politics or teaching and lecturing “to add more value to and to help the society.
“Khadija Shonibare, a 500-level Pharmacy student at the University of Ibadan, described the application process as “seamless,” noting that NELFUND’s integration with JAMB and her university prevented falsification of information—a testament to its transparent system.
“It has reduced the financial burden on my sponsor and allowed me to concentrate more without bothering my dad for money. I know my fees are taken care of, and the allowance helps too,” she added.Khadija is committed to staying in Nigeria after graduation, using her skills to advance healthcare and contribute to national growth. In her words, “Actually as a person, I’m not someone that is influenced by this japa syndrome.
So being a pharmacy student I really want to use the skills gathered here in advancing the status of the country, by contributing in my own way.”Oshite Chiamaka, a 400-level Mass Communication student at the University of Cross River State, credits the loan with removing the stress of unpaid fees. She even recalls a moment when her monthly upkeep payment arrived just in time to purchase a required textbook before a tight deadline.
When asked what she thinks about the impact of the scheme, she said “It’s a gateway to education. Most students don’t have people paying their fees, but NELFUND is giving them hope of graduating without worrying about money.”Chiamaka aspires to open a radio station after graduation, creating job opportunities for other communication graduates and possibly initiating her own student-support scheme.
NELFUND’s operations have earned praise not only for their impact but for the integrity of their execution. By leveraging existing databases from JAMB and tertiary institutions, the programme ensures that only eligible students benefit, eliminating opportunities for fraud.Disbursements are made directly to institutional accounts for tuition and to students’ accounts for upkeep allowances, creating a clear and traceable financial flow.
This transparent structure not only safeguards public funds but also fosters trust among stakeholders—students, parents, and institutions alike.
The support provided by NELFUND extends beyond covering tuition. Monthly stipends enable students to afford essential academic materials, manage living expenses, and even contribute to their families’ welfare. For many, it has meant avoiding the need to juggle jobs alongside their studies, allowing for better focus and academic performance.
As Enoabasi puts it, “I no longer have to think about where to source the next fees because the payment covers a session.” For Khadija, it’s “a release of any kind of financial stress.”
And for Chiamaka, it’s “hope of graduating from the university without thinking much of how to pay fees.”In its design and execution, NELFUND embodies the principle that education is not just a personal pursuit but a national investment.
By prioritizing transparency, the program ensures that its benefits reach those who need them most, while its timely support empowers students to focus on building the skills and knowledge that will shape Nigeria’s future.
From easing parents’ burdens to inspiring beneficiaries to give back to society, NELFUND is proving that when financial barriers are removed, the potentials of Nigerian students are limitless.
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