THE Federal Government says more than half a million Nigerian students are currently benefiting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a scheme introduced to ease access to higher education.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement at a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
“As we speak, more than 500,000 students of tertiary institutions—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—are already benefitting from NELFUND,” Idris said, describing the initiative, which covers both tuition and upkeep fees, as “unprecedented in our history.”
The minister explained that the loan scheme, launched by President Bola Tinubu on July 17, 2024, following the signing of the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act in April 2024, provides interest-free loans to eligible students.
According to him, the programme is part of reforms under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at driving national growth and stability.
Idris highlighted ongoing investments in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy, stressing that the government’s economic reforms were already yielding results.
He pointed to a growing trade surplus, declining inflation, a stronger currency, and falling food prices as evidence of progress.
From January 2026, he added, new tax laws would take effect to expand revenue, simplify collection, and ease burdens on citizens.
The minister also outlined major infrastructure projects, including the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
On power, he noted the revival of the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant and efforts to deploy seven million smart meters by 2027.
He further revealed that the World Bank-supported DARES project would provide off-grid electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.
Marking Independence Day, Idris urged Nigerians to rally behind the government’s reforms.
“The theme of this anniversary, All Hands on Deck, is a heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our partners to support these landmark reforms. Let us continue to believe in Nigeria, because together, we can make our country greater than ever before,” he said.
He assured citizens that recent sacrifices would soon yield benefits, emphasising the administration’s commitment to inclusive development across all regions.