FG Allocates ₦90 Billion to NELFUND to Support 400,000 Tertiary Students

​The Nigerian government has committed ₦90 billion to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to provide financial support to over 400,000 students in higher education.

The initiative, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, aims to ensure that students can continue their studies without financial hardship.

​The fund, a key effort of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is designed to broaden access to higher education and ease the financial pressure of tuition and living costs on students and their families.

Minister Idris explained that the funding covers not only tuition but also provides an upkeep allowance to students.

​”The Federal Government has committed ₦90 billion to NELFUND. This amount is not for school fees alone but also for the upkeep of over 400,000 students across different tertiary institutions.” he stated.

​According to a daily report from September 3, 2025, NELFUND has received 788,842 applications and has already provided support to 449,039 students.

The Minister urged Nigerians to focus on the tangible benefits of government programs, such as NELFUND, rather than on political affiliations.

​As of August 6, 2025, ₦86.3 billion has been disbursed from the fund and out of this, ₦47.6 billion was allocated to institutional fees at 218 institutions, and ₦38.7 billion was paid directly to students for upkeep.