The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comr. Asefon Sunday, has described claims that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund, is wasteful as “deeply unfortunate.”
A statement signed by him, in Abuja says NELFund is not a waste, but a strategic investment in human capital, aimed at giving Nigerian students, regardless of background, access to quality tertiary education.
The statement emphasizes that education is the foundation for national development, social stability, and economic growth.
“Since its inception, NELFund has benefited over 940,000 students across 218 tertiary institutions nationwide, disbursing more than ₦174.5 billion in tuition fees and student upkeep” he states.
According to the statement, the initiative has also contributed to reducing youth unemployment, lowering crime linked to school dropouts, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening Nigeria’s future workforce.
It urges political actors, including Mr. Peter Obi, to support, rather than dismiss, mass-oriented policies like NELFund that are clearly transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian youths.
The statement describes NELFund as a national asset that transcends politics and deserves applause for its positive impact on education and youth development.
