The University of Maiduguri has received over ₦1.6 billion from NELFUND for over 17,000 Students’ tuition fees and upkeep.
GoldenNewsNg reports that the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has confirmed the successful disbursement of ₦1,663,475,500.00 to the University of Maiduguri, directly benefitting 17,547 students. This marks a major milestone in the implementation of Nigeria’s student loan program, aimed at enhancing access to higher education through financial support.
Disbursement Overview
The University of Maiduguri, located in Borno State, is among the first institutions to receive this landmark funding as part of NELFUND’s initial rollout. The approved loan covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, academic materials, and essential learning support, providing critical financial relief to thousands of students.
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Total Amount Disbursed: ₦1,663,475,500.00
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Number of Beneficiaries: 17,547 students
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Purpose: Tuition support and educational financing under NELFUND
This financial intervention reflects the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to promoting inclusive, affordable, and quality tertiary education, especially in underserved regions like the Northeast.
Government Applauds Compliance and Transparency
Officials from the NELFUND administration have commended the University of Maiduguri for its transparency and cooperation during the verification and processing stages. According to NELFUND, the disbursement followed rigorous data validation protocols to ensure that only verified students were included in the loan disbursement.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian students, regardless of socioeconomic background, are not denied access to education due to financial barriers.
Strategic National Investment in Education
The NELFUND student loan scheme is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader education reform agenda. Beyond scholarships and grants, the focus has now shifted towards sustainable student loan financing as a means to support long-term educational development.
Earlier disbursements were recorded at institutions such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, which received over ₦900 million for eligible students. Similar interventions are expected at other universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country as the scheme scales nationwide.
What Comes Next ?
As the NELFUND initiative progresses, more tertiary institutions are expected to receive similar disbursements once student data verification is complete. Eligible students are advised to:
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Regularly check their institutional portals for updates on loan disbursement status
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Ensure their bank details and academic records are correctly submitted
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Stay informed via official NELFUND communication channels
Institutions are also urged to collaborate with NELFUND in maintaining transparency, speeding up the verification process, and ensuring that no qualified student is left behind.
