A 300-level Theatre Arts and Film Studies student at the University of Lagos, Migwe Obinna Nicholas, has revealed how the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) rescued him from dropping out of school due to acute financial hardship.

In an interview with media personality, DeeOne, Nicholas who performs under the stage name BMX Royce—disclosed that he is the first member of his family to attend university. Hailing from a humble background in Ebonyi State, he relocated to Lagos at age eight to live with his elder sister. However, after securing admission to UNILAG, disagreements arose when his sister’s husband urged him to abandon his higher education goals to join his business, leading Nicholas to leave the home.

Currently residing in his local church due to lack of housing, Nicholas faced severe financial strain following tuition fee increases and came close to dropping out two sessions ago. The intervention of NELFUND allowed him to cover his institutional fees and continue his academic registration.

While noting that the ₦20,000 monthly upkeep stipend has been somewhat inconsistent compared to the direct tuition payments, Nicholas emphasized that securing his registration remains his primary focus. Encouraging eligible students in need to access the straightforward online portal, he expressed confidence in utilizing the two-year post-NYSC grace period to repay the loan once established.