The Southwest leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students has asked the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to students in private tertiary institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo, Osun State, the student body said the current student loan scheme has helped many Nigerians in public institutions. However, they believe students in private universities and polytechnics also deserve access to the same support.
The appeal follows continued implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund introduced under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
What Is NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, also known as NELFUND, is a Federal Government initiative that provides interest free student loans to eligible Nigerians in public tertiary institutions.
The scheme was introduced to reduce financial pressure on students and improve access to higher education. Beneficiaries receive funds to cover tuition and other approved academic expenses.
As of December 2025, over N161 billion had reportedly been disbursed to more than 864,000 students across 263 public tertiary institutions nationwide.
This has made NELFUND one of the largest student support programmes in the country.
Why Students Want NELFUND Expanded
The Southwest Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, stated that private institution students are also Nigerians and should not be excluded from the scheme.
According to the student body, many families are struggling to meet rising tuition and living costs. Some students attend private institutions not by choice but due to limited admission slots in public schools.
They argue that excluding private tertiary institutions creates inequality in access to federal education support.
Main Concerns Raised
The students highlighted:
Rising tuition fees in some institutions
High cost of off campus accommodation
Limited access to affordable funding for private school students
Increasing financial pressure on families
They maintained that expanding NELFUND would improve fairness in access to student loans in Nigeria.
Call for Greater Awareness Among Students
The student leadership also urged eligible students in public institutions across the Southwest to apply for the loan scheme.
They encouraged student union leaders to educate their members on:
How to apply for the NELFUND student loan
Eligibility requirements
Repayment structure
Required documentation
From experience, many students miss opportunities due to lack of proper information. Sensitisation at campus level can improve participation and reduce misinformation.
Concerns Over Rising Accommodation Costs
Beyond the loan scheme, the student body raised concerns about increasing off campus accommodation costs in Southwest states.
They called on state governments and Houses of Assembly in:
Oyo
Osun
Ogun
Ekiti
Ondo
to take action similar to measures introduced by the Lagos State Government through its Tenancy Bill of 2025.
According to the students, rent hikes are placing additional pressure on undergraduates who already struggle with tuition and feeding costs.
Seven Day Notice to Institutions Over Fee Increases
The association also issued a seven day notice of engagement starting from February 18, 2026, to institutions that recently increased school fees without broad consultation.
They requested that school managements:
Open dialogue with student union governments
Review recent fee increments
Consider phased adjustments
Provide transparent explanations for cost increases
The students acknowledged that institutions face economic challenges. However, they insisted that fee adjustments should be transparent, gradual, and discussed with student representatives.
They also referenced Nigeria’s minimum wage of N77,000, arguing that sudden increases in tuition that are many times higher than this amount can make higher education inaccessible for many families.
How NELFUND Currently Works
For students in public institutions, the NELFUND loan typically involves:
Online registration through the official portal
Verification of admission and student status
Approval and disbursement directly to institutions
Structured repayment after graduation
The loan is interest free, which reduces long term financial burden compared to commercial education loans.
Students applying must provide accurate academic and personal details. Any false information may affect approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NELFUND available to private university students?
At present, the loan scheme mainly covers students in public tertiary institutions. The student body is advocating for inclusion of private institutions.
Does NELFUND charge interest?
No. The loan is interest free according to current government policy.
How many students have benefited so far?
As of late 2025, more than 864,000 students across 263 public tertiary institutions had received funding.
Can students apply at any time?
Application windows are announced officially. Students should monitor the official NELFUND portal for updates.
Guidance for Students
If you are studying in a public tertiary institution:
Confirm your eligibility on the official NELFUND portal
Prepare required documents before applying
Follow only verified government sources
Avoid agents requesting payment for application
If you are in a private institution, stay informed about policy updates. Advocacy efforts may lead to changes in coverage.
The call by the National Association of Nigerian Students reflects growing concern about access to affordable higher education in Nigeria. While NELFUND has supported many students in public institutions, the discussion around expansion continues.
Students should stay informed, engage through their unions, and use official platforms when seeking financial support. Access to accurate information remains one of the strongest tools available to Nigerian undergraduates navigating rising education costs.
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