Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme Transforming Education in Nigeria — Yakubu Dogara

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing impactful reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, especially the creation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He described the initiative as a powerful tool for breaking financial barriers and giving new hope to millions of students who struggle to fund their tertiary education.

Dogara made the remarks while delivering a lecture at the Federal University, Lokoja, during the institution’s 9th Convocation Ceremony. The lecture, titled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy,” focused on how education and innovation can shape Nigeria’s development in the years ahead.

Education Loan Policy Restoring Hope for Students

According to Dogara, President Tinubu’s interest-free student loan policy has become a game changer in the education sector. The programme, implemented under NELFUND, has already disbursed about ₦99.5 billion to support tuition fees and upkeep allowances for students across the country.

He described education as the most effective weapon against poverty and underdevelopment, stating that the initiative is “restoring dreams and creating opportunities for a new generation of Nigerians.”

“Education remains our most powerful weapon against poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment. It plants seeds of hope, creates pathways to opportunity, and refines human potential,” Dogara said.

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He added that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has demonstrated a firm commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that even marginalized groups—such as women and persons with disabilities—are not left behind.

“No one can doubt Mr. President’s commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to quality education,” he noted.

Dogara Encourages Youth to Lead with Purpose

The former Speaker also encouraged the graduating students to use their education to solve local problems while remaining globally competitive. He urged them to become innovators, ethical leaders, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to nation-building.

“Think globally but act locally. The solutions to Africa’s problems must be African-led, though globally informed. Whether you become engineers, doctors, teachers, or public servants, always ask: How can I apply global knowledge to solve local problems?” he advised.

Dogara called on graduates to embrace lifelong learning and integrity, emphasizing that Nigeria’s transformation depends on well-educated and visionary citizens.

NELFUND Calls on Institutions to Update Student Records

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has directed all accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria to update and upload student data on the Student Verification Portal in preparation for the opening of the 2025/2026 academic session loan application window.

In a statement issued by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, institutions were reminded of their critical role in ensuring a smooth and transparent loan application process.

“All accredited tertiary institutions are required to commence the update and upload of student records on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This will facilitate a smooth verification and loan application process for students,” Oluwatuyi said.

She explained that each student’s data must be accurately captured using verifiable identifiers, such as admission numbers, to guarantee transparency and accountability.

Verified Students to Benefit from the Loan Scheme

According to NELFUND, only students whose records are properly uploaded and verified by their institutions will be eligible to apply for the student loan. Institutions have been instructed to appoint designated officers to oversee the upload process in line with NELFUND’s technical guidelines.

“The collaboration between NELFUND and tertiary institutions is vital to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind when the new loan cycle begins,” Oluwatuyi emphasized.

The agency also disclosed that the verification process will be conducted through the Student Loan Access System, allowing institutions to confirm student information and reduce fraud in loan disbursements.

Government’s Focus on Inclusive and Accessible Education

The Federal Government, through NELFUND, continues to prioritize equal access to education by providing financial support to qualified students, regardless of social or economic background. The loan initiative is part of President Tinubu’s broader goal to improve human capital development, drive innovation, and build a knowledge-based economy.

Since its introduction, the Education Loan Scheme has received positive feedback from students and stakeholders in the education sector, with many describing it as a lifeline for underprivileged students and a major step toward reducing dropout rates in tertiary institutions.

As the new academic session approaches, more institutions are expected to comply with the directive to update student records, ensuring that beneficiaries can easily access their loans once the portal officially opens.