The Federal Government has disbursed more than ₦90 billion to support the education and welfare of over 400,000 students in Nigerian tertiary institutions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced the figures during a visit by the Conference of State Commissioners of Information, led by Borno State Commissioner, Prof. Usman Tar.
Idris described the programme, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, as a significant step to reduce financial barriers to higher education. He stated that the funds cover both tuition and direct living allowances for students.
“As of August 6, 2025, ₦47.6 billion has been used for institutional fees across 218 schools, while ₦38.7 billion was paid directly to students,” he said. Data from September 3 shows that 780,089 students have registered on the platform, submitting 788,842 applications, with 449,039 students benefiting so far.
Idris urged Nigerians to assess government initiatives based on their impact rather than political considerations. He highlighted that the administration aims to ensure inclusive access to education and health services, saying, “Nigeria under Tinubu is on the path to prosperity. No one will be left behind.”
