In a significant move aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth through education, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This initiative is designed to empower Nigerian students by providing them with the financial means to pursue higher education.
The Student Loan Access to Higher Education Act, signed into law by President Tinubu in April 2024, is a transformative step toward making tertiary education accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. The act has already started to make a difference, with the Federal College of Education (FCE) Pankshin being among the first institutions to benefit.
At the inauguration ceremony held at Aso Villa, Abuja, the Acting Provost of FCE Pankshin, Dr. Mrs. Christiana Fwenji Zumyil, expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu. She appreciated the President for fulfilling his promise to make education more accessible, as outlined in his “Renewed Hope” manifesto.
Dr. Zumyil was particularly proud that FCE Pankshin was one of only three Federal Colleges of Education invited to the event. The institution received a dummy cheque worth N63,628,425 from President Tinubu, symbolizing the financial support available to its students through NELFUND.
The launch of NELFUND has already seen a substantial response, with 164,000 students registering on the portal, and 110,000 applying for the loan.
In his statement, Charles Nda Homsuk, Chief Information Officer of the Public Relations Unit at FCE Pankshin, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“The introduction of NELFUND is a historic moment for Nigerian education. It offers a lifeline to students who otherwise might not have the financial means to pursue higher education. We are honored that FCE Pankshin is among the first beneficiaries, and we are committed to ensuring that our students make the most of this opportunity.”
With the launch of NELFUND, the future looks brighter for many Nigerian students who now have a better chance of achieving their educational dreams.
