1.38 Million Students Benefit from NELFUND Loans

At a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Akin Thoma Babajid, Chairman of the Tertiary Institutions Governing Council (FOGOCOM), announced that 1.38 million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed N243 billion for tuition fees and student upkeep allowances. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and expand access for indigent students.

Babajid noted that the student loan program enables thousands of students who might have dropped out due to financial constraints to complete their studies. The scheme currently covers hundreds of tertiary institutions nationwide.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to improving academic standards and enhancing the learning environment through various reforms and interventions. Babajid called on the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to consider extending the tenure of governing councils in polytechnics and colleges of education from three to four years to ensure stability and effective policy implementation.