NELFUND: Government Covers Tuition Fees for 20,000 Students, as More than 280,000 Register for Loan

The Federal Government has successfully covered the tuition fees of 20,000 students by directly paying their institutions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

Akintunde Sawyer, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, shared this information during a summit and sensitisation programme organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Rivers State.

He stated that the fund had covered the tuition fees for 20,000 students across six universities, which include the University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Maiduguri, University of Ilorin, and Bayero University, Kano.

The student loan scheme is President Bola Tinubu’s main focus in the education sector.

The president unveiled the fund while signing the Access to Higher Education Act, which establishes a legal structure for providing loans to financially disadvantaged Nigerians, enabling them to cover their fees at Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Sawyer also shared that as of August 22, 2024, more than 280,000 students have signed up for the program, with approximately 256,000 having finished the application process.

He mentioned that some of the delays in approving requests for the student interest-free loan were due to mistakes made by students during the registration process.

During his explanation, he emphasised the importance of submitting accurate documents and providing truthful information. This helps to expedite the verification process and ensures that only deserving students receive the benefits of the scheme.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s representatives, Commissioner for Youth Development Chisom Gbali, NANS leaders including President Lucky Omonefe, Akintunde Sawyer from NELFUND, VCs, students, and Traditional Rulers were all present at the summit.

The event, organised by the NANS National Secretariat in collaboration with NELFUND, had the goal of educating students in higher institutions in the state about the loan scheme and gathering feedback from them.

At the event, the representative of Governor Fubara and the Traditional Ruler, HRM Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi (III) Oba of Ogbaland, Rivers State, who is recognised by NAN’S as the Royal Father of Nigerian Students, encouraged students to make the most of this chance to succeed.

NANS expressed its dedication to ongoing awareness campaigns in universities throughout Rivers State, aiming to inspire more students to take advantage of the loan program.

In a recent announcement, the fund shared that it had approved an additional 22 state-owned tertiary institutions to participate in the student loan program.

The addition of the 22 state-owned institutions brings the total number of approved state institutions to 108.

Here are the recently cleared institutions: 1. Abia State University, Uturu

1. College of Education, Nsugbe

2. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

3. Welcome to Delta State University in Abraka!

4. Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State

5. Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti

6. Kogi State University, located in Kabba, Kogi State

7. Welcome to Prince Abubakar Audu University!

Kwara State University

1. Kwara State College of Health Technology

Abdulkadir Kure University Minna is a renowned institution.

1. Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu

2. Moshod Abiola Polytechnic

Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo is a reputable institution.

1. The Polytechnic, Ibadan

2. The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki

Rivers State University, Port Harcourt

Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic is a renowned institution.

1. Welcome to Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery in Damaturu!

2. College of Administration, Management and Technology in Potiskum, Yobe State 21. Gujba College of Agriculture, Science & Technology

3. College of Education Legal Studies, Nguru

Here is a list of institutions that have been previously cleared: 1. Abia State Polytechnic

Adamawa State University Mubi

Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola is a renowned institution.

1. College of Education Afaha Nsit

Akwa Ibom State University is a renowned institution.

Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic is a renowned institution.

Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare

1. Welcome to Niger Delta University!

2. Welcome to Benue State University in Makurdi!

Borno State University

1. College of Education, Waka-Biu

Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture

Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri is a renowned institution.

1. Cross River State University

2. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku

Delta State University of Science and Technology

1. Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba 18.

Welcome to the University of Delta Agbor!

1. Welcome to Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki!

2. Welcome to Edo State University Uzairue.

3. Welcome to Ekiti State University, located in Ado Ekiti.

4. Welcome to Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology!

5. Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences

Gombe State University, established in 2004, is a renowned institution of higher learning.

1. Welcome to Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo!

2. Welcome to Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University!

Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education IhitteUboma, a renowned institution in the education sector.

Imo State Polytechnic Omuma is a renowned institution.

Sule Lamido University is located in Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State.

1. Welcome to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria!

2. Welcome to the Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya!

Kaduna State University, established in 1980, is a renowned institution of higher education.

Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil is a renowned institution.

Yusuf Maitama Sule University, established in 2012, is a renowned institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. With a diverse range of programs and a dedicated faculty, the university strives to provide a transformative educational experience for its students. Through its state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities, Yusuf Maitama Sule University prepares its graduates to excel in their chosen fields

1. Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management

2. Welcome to Umar Musa Yaradua University in Katsina!

3. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero

4. Confluence University of Science and Technology

5. Welcome to Prince Abubakar Audu University in Anyigba!

6. Kwara Polytechnic

Kwara State College of Education Oro is a renowned institution.

1. Lagos State University of Education

2. Lagos State University of Science and Technology

Lagos State University, established in 1983, is a renowned institution in Nigeria. It has a rich history and is known for its commitment to academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of programs and has a diverse student body. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, Lagos State University provides a conducive learning environment for its students. Graduates from this prestigious

Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia is a renowned institution.

1. Welcome to Nasarawa State University Keffi

2. Welcome to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai!

3. Welcome to Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru!

Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, a renowned institution.

Olabisi Onabanjo University, established in 1982, is a renowned institution of higher learning. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, the university has consistently produced graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. The university offers a wide range of programs and courses, ensuring that students have access to a quality education that prepares them

1. Tai Solarin University of Education

Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa

1. D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Itori-Ewekoro.

2. Welcome to Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade

University of Medical Sciences, Ondo is a renowned institution in the field of medicine.

Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, located in Ondo State, is a renowned institution.

1. Government Technical College Ile-Ife 58. GTC, ARA Osun State

2. GTC, GBONGAN Osun State

3. GTC, located in IJEBU-JESA, Osun State