NELFUND: TRANSFORMING STUDENT LIVES WITH TIMELY SUPPORT
.In today’s challenging economic climate, access to quality education remains a pressing concern for many Nigerian students. But amid the struggle, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is proving to be a timely intervention—bridging financial gaps and restoring academic hope. With swift disbursements and heartfelt testimonials coming from both students and institutions, NELFUND is doing more than funding education; it is empowering futures and rewriting countless student journeys across the nation.
For thousands of students across Nigeria, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is not just a financial intervention—it’s a survival scheme. It is ensuring students stay in school, excel in their studies, and dare to dream bigger. Through seamless processes and strategic disbursements, NELFUND has already begun to reshape the educational landscape and rewrite the stories of many Nigerian youths.
Christian Onyekachi, a 500-level Chemical Engineering student at Michael Okpara University, reflects on how NELFUND has changed his life. “They’ve helped me in paying my fees. I’ve not had to run around to gather fees. Most of my handouts also, I pay for them from the upkeep,” he shares.For Christian, the process was swift and hassle-free.
“The process has been very smooth. I’ve been receiving the school fees and upkeep promptly, and when I applied, it didn’t even take up to 2 days.” This timely support has allowed him to concentrate on his studies without the stress of sourcing funds.
Like many others, he sees the initiative as a game-changer, especially in today’s economy. “I would encourage other students to apply for the loan… it’ll help them meet up with fees and reduce the burden of thinking and wasting strength on sourcing for money rather than using that strength for academics,” he added.
NELFUND’s impact isn’t just felt on the student level—it resonates throughout Nigeria’s academic institutions.At Borno State University, over ₦120 million was disbursed for 2,947 students. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, expressed gratitude for the transparent and diligent process employed by NELFUND. “The Management of Borno State University, Maiduguri wishes to appreciate you for the due diligence and transparent process employed in the selection of the above students of our institution.
We look forward to future support and disbursement for the second batch,” he noted in an official letter.Similarly, at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau, 547 students have benefited, with over ₦59 million in approved loans. According to the Acting Provost, Dr. Mes Onazi Bosude Oluwarasin, the initiative has been “a massive lifeline for our students, especially considering the economic realities of Zamfara State.” He further added that the monthly ₦20,000 upkeep has significantly reduced dropout rates and improved academic performance.
Khadija Shonibare, a 500-level Pharmacy student at the University of Ibadan, also highlights the transformative role NELFUND has played in her life. “I’ve been able to concentrate more. I know there is a place that the fees are coming from. The allowance too has been helping,” she says.Khadija equally appreciates the streamlined application process. “Nelfund already had our information from JAMB and UI. There’s no way to falsify details, which is commendable.”
Aisha Falalu, a 200-level Biology student at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, describes the process as smooth and the loan as “reliable and cooperative.” Though her upkeep was yet to be disbursed at the time of her interview, her school fees were already covered. She no longer needs to rely as heavily on her parents and hopes to use her education to create jobs and opportunities in the future.Her advice? “Anyone who is yet to apply should apply. NELFUND helps every student.”
As the testimonies pour in—from students and institutions alike—it becomes clear that NELFUND is more than just a loan program. It is a bold step toward educational equity, youth empowerment, and national development.In the words of Christian Onyekachi: “The NELFUND impact has been very great. I know others who are thankful for this kind of initiative. I hope NELFUND will continue with this scheme. I’m so grateful.” More importantly, Khadija Shonibare sees this support as part of her broader goal of contributing to national growth. “I’m not someone that is influenced by the ‘japa’ syndrome. I want to use my skills to contribute to Nigeria.”
