Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has spotlighted the ongoing NELFUND initiative, noting its positive impact on students and families across Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels TV Politics on Tuesday, Prof. Yilwatda acknowledged the financial challenges many students face in paying school fees.

“Most students in Nigeria have difficulty paying their school fees. I know of many who had to withdraw from universities because they couldn’t afford it,” he said.

Under the NELFUND initiative, students can now access loans that cover tuition fees, along with a monthly allowance of N20,000, whether they are in school or on holiday.

“I know a number of them who even support their parents back home, invest in farming, and during holidays, help pay the school fees of their younger siblings in secondary schools within their communities,” he added.

Prof. Yilwatda revealed that over one million students nationwide are currently benefiting from the program.

“It’s available to anyone in Nigeria. If you’re a student struggling with school fees, register your university and put your name forward to access the student loan. We offset your entire school fees, and you receive N20,000 every month,” he said.

Describing NELFUND as a social protection system, he emphasized its role in supporting households and parents across the country.

“These are households, these are parents. Over a million students have access to it, and all their parents are looking forward to more support through NELFUND,” he stated.

The APC chairman also highlighted other social welfare programs, including health insurance, which has benefited between four and five million Nigerians.