The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of higher institutions across the North-West region.
Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Katsina State, Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Tuesday.
He said the funds have so far benefited 20,919 students in tertiary institutions across the zone.
According to him, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving access to education and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent young Nigerians from pursuing higher learning.
NELFUND offers interest-free loans to students to help cover tuition fees and related academic needs.
“The Federal Government has made its presence felt in the region not only in education but also in agriculture, security, and infrastructure. The student loan scheme is one of the critical interventions designed to support young Nigerians in achieving their academic goals,” Lawal-Tsagem said.
He noted that in addition to NELFUND, the government has rolled out other support programmes across the North-West. These include assistance for wheat farmers in Kebbi State, ₦1.6 billion in funding for ginger farmers in Kaduna State, and the ₦2 billion Yawuri Water Scheme.
The NOA director emphasised that the ministry’s role is to inform citizens about government policies and mobilise public support.
He urged beneficiaries and stakeholders to demonstrate accountability and ensure that the programmes achieve their intended impact.
Observers at the event, including academics and community leaders, commended the loan scheme as a significant step in widening access to higher education while also calling for stronger oversight to ensure sustainability.
