The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has committed over ₦90 billion to support the education of 400,000 students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Idris disclosed this on Wednesday when he received a delegation of State Commissioners of Information, led by Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, in Abuja.
According to him, the funds were disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Tinubu’s flagship initiative designed to ensure that no Nigerian child is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints.
“The Federal Government under President Tinubu has committed ₦90 billion to NELFUND. His vision is that, on no account, should a Nigerian child of school age be denied entry into a tertiary institution. This fund covers not just tuition, but also upkeep for more than 400,000 students nationwide,” Idris stated.
The minister stressed that the initiative reflects the President’s broader vision of national prosperity and inclusivity, irrespective of political or religious affiliation.
He added, “If you won’t listen to me because I was appointed by President Tinubu of the APC, don’t forget that your children need NELFUND to stay in school. And your people battling cancer need access to the Oncology and Cancer Screening Centre provided under this administration.”
Since its launch on May 24, 2024, NELFUND has received over 550,000 loan applications. The scheme, backed by the Access to Higher Education Act, was established to provide financial support for indigent and low-income Nigerians, covering school fees and living expenses.
Idris reiterated that President Tinubu remains committed to the holistic development and well-being of all Nigerians.