The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, says the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is playing a key role in improving academic performance among students in tertiary institutions across the country.
A statement signed by him in Abuja, notes that the growing number of First Class graduates in Nigerian universities reflects the positive impact of the student loan scheme introduced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement cites the example of Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, who emerged as the overall best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.89 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, alongside other outstanding graduates who benefitted from the scheme.
According to Asefon, the removal of financial barriers through NELFUND has enabled students to focus on their studies and achieve academic excellence.
“These achievements show that when students are supported, they can perform at the highest level. Many of them faced serious financial challenges before accessing the loan, but today they are graduating with top honours,” he states.
It describes NELFUND as a major intervention in Nigeria’s education sector, noting that it has helped thousands of students from low-income backgrounds complete their studies.
According to the statement, the presidential aide added that the scheme has reduced cases of students dropping out due to inability to pay school fees, while also restoring confidence in the nation’s higher education system.
It commends the management of NELFUND for its progress so far and called for continuous improvement in the disbursement process to reach more students, particularly in rural communities.
The statement also urged beneficiaries of the scheme to remain committed to their studies and strive for excellence.
It reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and supporting policies that enhance human capital development in the country.
