NASS and NELFUND Expand Student Loan Scheme in Nigeria

The National Assembly (NASS) and the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are planning to expand a student loan scheme that has so far disbursed ₦282 billion, with expectations of significant increases. The initiative aims to reach 50 million people and enhance skills acquisition through technical and vocational education training.

Akintund Sawyerr, the Managing Director of NELFUND, reported that 1.6 million Nigerian students have directly benefited from the scheme, with an estimated indirect impact on 10 million people. The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, described the initiative as timely, noting that many indigent Nigerians await intervention.

Barau also stated that updates on the scheme's coverage will be provided. The program is part of a sensitization initiative organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, which collaborates with TETFund to ensure equitable access to education in Nigeria.