Federal Government Disburses N2bn in Interest-Free Student Loans Across North-West

The Federal Government has released N2.086 billion in interest-free student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support students of higher institutions across the North-West region of Nigeria.

According to Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Katsina State, the disbursement benefited 20,919 students across different states in the zone. He made this known during a sensitisation programme held in Katsina on Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on education and youth empowerment.

The sensitisation programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, focused on the government’s achievements in the North-West, particularly in education, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.

Government Support for Students and Farmers

Lawal-Tsagem explained that aside from the education loan initiative, the Federal Government has extended several interventions in the region:

• Agriculture: Wheat farmers in 12 local government areas of Kebbi State received support under the National Agricultural Growth Programme (NAGAP).
• Cash Crop Development: Ginger farmers in Kaduna State benefited from a N1.6 billion intervention fund.
• Infrastructure: The N2 billion Yawuri Water Scheme remains one of the major infrastructure projects under implementation in the zone.

He stressed that NELFUND loans in Nigeria are structured to be interest-free, making it easier for students to pay their tuition fees and meet academic needs without the burden of repayment challenges faced with commercial loans.

Call for Accountability and Public Participation

Speaking at the event, Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, urged residents of the region to show support for the administration’s projects. He emphasized that while the Federal Government is delivering on education and development, citizens should also demand accountability from local government officials, state assemblies, and other grassroots leaders.

Muhammed noted that these leaders receive huge allocations yearly but often fail to invest in community development, leaving many challenges unaddressed. He stressed that both federal interventions and responsible local governance are vital for sustainable growth in the region.

Making Education Affordable Through NELFUND

The NELFUND student loan programme is part of the government’s strategy to make tertiary education more affordable and accessible in Nigeria. With billions already disbursed nationwide, the scheme is rapidly expanding its reach to ensure that students from low- and middle-income families can pursue their studies without financial stress.

For students, parents, and guardians seeking information on how to benefit, the NELFUND loan application process is open to eligible students across accredited institutions, offering them a chance to focus on education while the government provides the financial backing.

With this N2bn disbursement to the North-West, the government reaffirms its commitment to education funding in Nigeria, ensuring that young people have the resources to succeed academically and contribute to national development.