Tinubu: NELFUND ensures low-income students won't quit school over fees
In his Independence Day address on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) will prevent children from low-income families from abandoning higher education because their parents cannot afford tuition. Tinubu described the scheme as part of his administration’s effort to reduce poverty and expand opportunities for young Nigerians, stressing that such programmes are bridges, not substitutes for prosperity.
NELFUND provides interest‑free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover institutional charges and offers an optional ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance. Since its launch in 2024, the fund has paid school fees directly to universities for more than 1.4 million students across 356 institutions.
The president added that the government will also strengthen basic education and other public services in partnership with state and local authorities, while pursuing broader economic growth. He reiterated that the aim is not merely to manage poverty but to build an economy that creates opportunities for all Nigerians.
With tuition costs remaining a barrier for many, will you or someone you know consider applying for the NELFUND loan, and what additional support do you think is needed to keep low‑income students in school?