The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has become a vital support system for students from low-income families, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who says the initiative is helping to remove financial barriers that have long prevented many young Nigerians from accessing higher education.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the management team of the University of Abuja, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, Shettima described NELFUND as one of the most significant education interventions introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Vice President said the scheme was designed to ensure that students are not denied higher education because of poverty. By covering tuition fees and providing monthly upkeep allowances, he noted, the programme is giving children from less-privileged backgrounds an opportunity to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial hardship.
Recalling his days as a student at the University of Maiduguri, Shettima said he understood the challenges many students face in meeting basic needs while studying. He described NELFUND as a thoughtful intervention created to provide relief and opportunities for young Nigerians who might otherwise struggle to remain in school.
Beyond education, the Vice President said the student loan scheme serves as a social equaliser and a tool for poverty reduction, helping to expand access to opportunities and improve the future prospects of beneficiaries.
Shettima also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, pointing to recent improvements in the country’s sovereign credit ratings, stronger foreign exchange reserves, increased oil production and higher federal revenues as signs that ongoing reforms are yielding results.
Turning to the University of Abuja, the Vice President commended the institution’s leadership for restoring stability and addressing challenges that had affected the university in the past. He praised the administration of Prof. Fawehinmi and assured the institution of continued support from the Federal Government.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor applauded Shettima’s leadership and support for the education sector, describing him as a mentor whose guidance has helped strengthen the university’s Governing Council.
Fawehinmi also highlighted the impact of NELFUND on students, saying the programme has contributed to stability across the education sector by helping students access university education and remain in school despite financial difficulties.
He noted that while the University of Abuja had experienced leadership challenges in the past, efforts by the current administration over the last eight months had focused on rebuilding confidence and strengthening the institution.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the visit provided an opportunity for the university’s management and Governing Council to appreciate the Vice President for his continued support and commitment to the growth of the institution and the wider education sector.
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