3,296 FUL STUDENTS GET N387M NELFUND LOANS

A total of 3,296 students of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) have received N387 million in student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), providing financial support to students pursuing their academic programmes.

The funding is expected to ease some of the financial pressures faced by beneficiaries, particularly those struggling to meet tuition and other education-related expenses.

The NELFUND scheme was established to improve access to higher education by providing interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions. Through the initiative, students can access financial assistance to support their studies without having to depend entirely on family resources or other sources of funding.

For many students, the rising cost of education has become a major concern, with tuition, accommodation, transportation, learning materials and daily expenses placing increasing demands on household finances.

The disbursement to Federal University Lokoja students represents another step in the implementation of the federal government's student loan programme, which aims to reduce financial barriers and prevent qualified students from abandoning their education because of economic difficulties.

The initiative is also expected to support retention in tertiary institutions by helping students manage essential academic expenses.

However, the long-term impact of the programme will depend on efficient administration, timely disbursement and transparent processes that ensure eligible students receive the support they need.

As more students benefit from the scheme, attention will remain on expanding access and ensuring that financial difficulties do not stand in the way of educational opportunities for Nigerian youths.