The Federal Government has announced that more than 396,000 Nigerian students have so far benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The disclosure was made during a town hall meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, held to review the government’s achievements in the past two years. Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, guest speaker Lawal Shuaibu said the student loan scheme has eased the financial burden of thousands of families.
“One notable achievement is the NELFUND tuition loan scheme, which has already benefited over 396,000 students as of August 7, 2025. This initiative provides financial support to ensure Nigerian students complete their education and secure their future,” Shuaibu stated.
Investments and Industrial Growth in Kogi
He also revealed that Kogi State has attracted over ₦900 billion in investments, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for farming. On industrialisation, he noted that work has started on five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta worth more than $500 million. According to him, the project will create jobs, improve energy supply, and position Nigeria as a global energy player.
In addition, the state is set to train 25,000 youths in mineral exploration to boost economic growth and local participation in mining.
Agriculture and Mechanisation Drive
Highlighting achievements in agriculture, the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi Governor, Ismaila Isah, said the Tinubu administration launched the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP) — the largest of its kind in Nigeria.
The programme has already deployed 2,000 tractors, 9,022 specialised implements, and led to the cultivation of 55,000 hectares of farmland, creating about 60,000 jobs.
In Kogi State alone, Governor Ahmed Ododo distributed fertilisers to 30,000 farmers and rolled out a tractor refurbishment scheme, saving the state an estimated ₦20 billion.
Housing Development
The federal government also allocated 100 hectares of land to the Federal Housing Authority for the construction of a 1,000-unit housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project.
The Kogi government pledged continued alignment with President Tinubu’s development agenda, including the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development to strengthen agricultural reforms.
Traditional Rulers Commend FG
The Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo, represented by the Matawale of Lokoja, Ademu Muhammed, praised the president for policies that have relieved citizens, especially through the NELFUND initiative. He urged the government to expand the programme’s reach to grassroots communities while acknowledging improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
In summary: Over 396,000 students are currently benefitting from tuition loans, farmers are receiving direct support, housing projects are underway, and massive investments in Kogi are expected to create jobs and spur industrial growth under the Tinubu administration.