President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has announced that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has provided financial support to 600,000 students, amounting to N104 billion, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s education sector.
Tinubu made this disclosure at the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
He said the move demonstrates his government’s commitment to making quality education accessible and affordable for all.
According to him: “The NELFUND programme aims to provide financial support to students, bridging the gap between financial challenges and access to higher education. With this significant investment, the government is empowering students to pursue their academic dreams, driving human capital development, and fostering a knowledge-driven society,” he stated.
In addition to the NELFUND initiative, the President, represented by Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, Director of Universities at the Federal Ministry of Education, announced that the government has allocated N940.5 billion to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, in the 2025 budget, which underscores the administration’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure and manpower.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the education sector, including ensuring industrial harmony in universities.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with university staff unions and the resolution of salary issues are key steps towards fostering stability in higher education.
The president added that as the government continues to prioritise education, Nigerian students can look forward to a brighter future, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to drive innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Speaking shortly after being conferred with an honorary doctorate in Agriculture by the university, the governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, said his administration is committed to collaborating with individuals to make education accessible to every citizen.
Other recipients of honorary degrees included Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who was conferred with a degree in Entrepreneurship, and Senator Muhammad Sani Musa, representing Niger East senatorial district, who received a degree in Technology.
The Governor also announced a donation of N100 million to an endowment fund created by Senator Muhammad Sani Musa, who donated N200 million.
Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, stated that the event marks four decades of excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation.
“The university has grown to be a leading institution in technological education in Nigeria, and we won’t compromise on our standards,” he said.
