The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has committed more than N90 billion to the education and welfare of students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Idris disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit from a platform of State Commissioners of Information led by the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar.
He stated that the President’s initiative through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has enabled over 400,000 Nigerian students to continue their education without financial difficulties.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has committed N90 billion to NELFUND. Tinubu’s vision is that, on no account, should a Nigerian child of school age be denied going to a tertiary institution,” Idris said
He explained that the support covers more than tuition fees, as students also benefit from upkeep allowances.
“Therefore, this amount is not for school fees alone but also for upkeep of over 400,000 students across different tertiary institutions in the country,” he noted
Commitment to inclusive development
Idris stressed that the President’s vision is to ensure that all Nigerians benefit from government policies regardless of political affiliation or religion.
“Nigeria under Tinubu is on the path to prosperity. This is my message to you. We are in government to serve the interests of all, irrespective of political parties.”
He further urged Nigerians to look beyond political affiliations when assessing government initiatives, saying,
“If you will not listen to me because I was appointed by President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, don’t forget that your children need the NELFUND to stay in school. And also your people who have cancer need treatment and would have to access the Cancer Screening and treatment Centre/Oncology that Tinubu provided,” Idris said.
The Minister reiterated that Tinubu’s leadership is for the collective good of Nigerians, irrespective of religion or political party.
What you should know
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and reduce the burden of tuition and living expenses on students and their families.
- Since its rollout, the scheme has attracted attention as one of the administration’s flagship interventions in education. It provides direct financial assistance to students to prevent disruptions in their studies due to economic hardship.
- According to the daily status report generated on September 3, a total of 780,089 students have registered on the platform, while 788,842 applications have been received. Out of these, 449,039 students have so far benefited from the scheme.
- As of August 6, 2025, disbursements had reached N86.3 billion, with N47.6 billion allocated to cover institutional fees across 218 beneficiary institutions, while N38.7 billion was paid directly to students as upkeep allowances.
In a related development, NELFUND announced the relocation of its headquarters to a permanent office at House 12, Plot 103/104, Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Opposite Bon Hotel, Abuja, effective September 5, 2025.
Undoubtedly, NELFUND is probably one of the best role-out programs that the President and his team has released. I consider it a unique and a laudable innovation that will enhance and promote educational standard in this country. I was, all along expecting some degree of opposing views from the opposition parties. For the oppositions are noted for criticizing the ruling party at all level of endeavors. Nigerians are very grateful for this timely innovation for its success will bring about helping the poor families whose children could not afford the high cost of education. Records show that there are quite a number of brilliant Nigerians who are incapable of financing their educations. With this plan now in place, qualified students can now safely apply and utilize the plan to complete their degrees program uninterrupted. I give kudos for those who initiated this timely program. It is a well deserved initiative and innovation and worthy of commendation.