NELFUND: Over 20,900 North-West Students Receive Interest-Free Loans

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Federal Government has disbursed N2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to benefit students of higher institutions across the North-West, officials said on Tuesday.

Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Katsina State Directorate, revealed the figures in Katsina during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. He said the funds were extended to approximately 20,919 students in the region.

Highlighting other achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the North-West, Lawal-Tsagem noted the government’s presence in agriculture, security, and infrastructure. “In Kebbi, wheat farmers in 12 local government areas were supported via the NAGAP programme. Ginger farmers in Kaduna State received N1.6 billion in support. The N2 billion Yawuri Water Scheme is one of the infrastructural projects of the Federal Government in the region. The NELFUND programme allows students in higher institutions to access interest-free loans to pay school fees and cater for their study needs,” he said.

Lawal-Tsagem also emphasised the ministry’s role in keeping the public informed about government policies and programmes, as well as mobilising support and appreciation for these initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, urged residents in the region to acknowledge and support the federal government’s efforts. “I want to call on them to cultivate goodwill with him and his government so that the region can continue to reap the benefits of this goodwill. Reaping the dividends of democracy requires competitive citizenship. It’s not every problem you run to the federal government. You have local governments, state assemblies, and National Assembly members, but if you cannot join your hands together and act, it remains a problem. People representing the masses at the grassroots are given hundreds of millions every year, yet some squander the money doing nothing,” Muhammed said.

The NELFUND initiative forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to support students financially and promote access to education in Nigeria’s North-West region.