The Nigerian Education Loan Fund ( NELFUND ) has announced the disbursement of ₦255,141,000 to the University of Calabar for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The intervention will directly benefit 2,587 students, easing the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. According to the agency, the initiative is part of a broader drive to expand access to higher education and ensure that no student is left behind due to financial challenges.
Speaking on the disbursement, NELFUND noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education, skills development, and youth empowerment as critical pillars for national growth.
“This intervention is not just about paying school fees—it is about investing in human capital, ensuring equity in education, and equipping young Nigerians with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development,” the Fund said in a statement.
Growing Nationwide Impact
The University of Calabar disbursement follows a series of allocations across higher institutions:
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Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum – ₦23.2 million disbursed to 453 students.
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North-West Zone Institutions – ₦2.08 billion allocated, benefiting 20,919 students across states in the region.
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Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt – received funding under NELFUND, with the management noting improved access to learning and infrastructure growth.
University officials also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely support mechanism for students from diverse backgrounds. They emphasised that the funding would help learners focus on academic excellence rather than financial pressures.
The University of Calabar disbursement comes as part of NELFUND’s nationwide rollout. In recent weeks, billions of naira have been allocated to institutions across Nigeria, reaching thousands of undergraduates in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Analysts say the loan scheme could significantly reduce dropout rates, promote inclusive education, and accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) on quality education.
