UniAbuja Students Extol NELFUND for Easing Financial Burden
Students of the University of Abuja have continued to commend the Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a timely intervention that has significantly eased financial pressure and improved their academic experience.
Introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, NELFUND is a Federal Government programme designed to provide interest-free, government-backed loans for tuition and student upkeep in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education, expand access to learning, and reduce dropout rates among students.
During an on-campus interview with miss Momodu Favour, a journalist from Unfiltered Reporting, students from various departments expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, noting that the scheme has helped them pay school fees, meet transportation needs, and focus more on their studies despite prevailing economic challenges.
Ibrahim, a 400-level student of Library and Information Science, said that although he did not apply for the loan because he was financially stable, he acknowledged the impact of NELFUND on many of his peers.
“I was able to pay my fees, but all fingers are not equal. I have friends who really benefited from NELFUND. It is a good initiative, and I believe the Tinubu administration is doing well by supporting students,” he said.
Korede, a student of the Accounting Department, said the loan made his academic life easier, as his school fees and tuition were covered, allowing him to concentrate fully on his studies.
Similarly, Abubakar Sani, a 400-level student of Library and Information Science, said he recently applied for the loan and is awaiting verification, expressing optimism about benefiting from the scheme.
Aisha Musa, a 400-level student of Political Science and International Relations, said she applied for NELFUND in her 300 level and has benefited significantly from the programme.
“The process is not stressful if you have the necessary requirements. NELFUND helped me with tuition and a monthly allowance, and it has reduced the pressure of managing school and personal expenses,” she said.
Another student, Ogeshola Moses Dolapo of the Department of Library and Information Science, described the initiative as timely and reflective of the government’s concern for the welfare of young Nigerians.
“I have applied for the loan, and the process was easy to understand. Although I am still waiting to start benefiting, I appreciate the government, especially considering how tough the economy is,” he said.
Hope Friday Odinaka Chukwu, a 200-level student, said the loan enabled her to register for examinations without financial stress.
“I have exams next week, and thank God for NELFUND. I don’t know how I would have written my exams without it. My stay in school has been incredible, but the government should also build more infrastructure so fewer students will have to live off campus,” she said.
Another 200-level student, Clement Faith, also confirmed that she has benefited from the loan, describing it as a major relief.
Other beneficiaries interviewed include Oluwasunmibare Unice, a 400-level student of Accounting; Caleb, a 100-level student of History and Diplomatic Studies; and Wisdom Ezekiel, a 200-level student of Theatre Arts. They said the loan assisted them in settling school fees, transportation costs, and basic academic expenses.
Students noted that key requirements for applying for NELFUND include a JAMB registration number, National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), matriculation number, a valid student identity card, bank details, and admission documents.
The students described the initiative as a positive step by the current administration in prioritising education and youth welfare, while calling on the Federal Government to sustain and strengthen the programme to reach more students across the country.
By Momodu Favour
