By Esi-ife Arogundade

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that applications for its student loan scheme have surpassed one million, marking one of the most significant public responses to a government social intervention since the start of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement released on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the milestone was achieved in less than a year after the scheme’s launch on May 24, 2024. He described the figure as proof that the programme is gaining widespread acceptance and public confidence across the country.

According to the agency, over ₦116 billion has already been disbursed to students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide, covering tuition and maintenance allowances.

NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the achievement reflects the success of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in widening access to higher education.

“Crossing the one-million mark represents more than statistics—it embodies renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to overcome financial barriers to education,” Sawyerr said. “It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative initiative.”

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery to ensure that every eligible Nigerian student—regardless of background or location—can access education funding transparently and efficiently.

NELFUND also stressed that the student loan programme is inclusive and non-discriminatory, serving Nigerians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds while fostering unity through equal access to learning opportunities.

“NELFUND remains resolute in its mission to ensure that no Nigerian is deprived of the chance to learn, grow, or contribute to national development because of financial constraints,” the statement concluded.