FG commits ₦90bn to support 400,000 students through NELFUND

By Kunle Sanni –

The federal government has committed more than ₦90 billion to support the education and welfare of students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced on Wednesday.

Idris made the disclosure in Abuja during a courtesy visit by state commissioners of information led by Borno State’s Prof. Usman Tar. He explained that the intervention, funded through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has enabled over 400,000 students to remain in school without financial strain.

“The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has committed ₦90 billion to NELFUND. His vision is that no Nigerian child of school age should be denied access to tertiary education,” Idris said.

He clarified that the support goes beyond tuition fees, extending to upkeep allowances designed to ease students’ living conditions.

The minister emphasized that President Tinubu’s policies are tailored to benefit all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation or religion.

“If you will not listen to me because I was appointed by President Tinubu of the APC, don’t forget that your children need NELFUND to stay in school, and your people who have cancer need treatment from the oncology centres the President has provided,” he added.

Idris further described the NELFUND scheme as a cornerstone of the administration’s drive to widen access to education, reduce the financial burden on families, and prepare Nigerian youths for future opportunities.

He assured that the government remains committed to sustaining the programme as part of efforts to enhance human capital development across the country.