In a statement on Sunday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency described the achievement as a strong indicator of growing public trust and national acceptance of the initiative, launched on May 24, 2024.
According to the Fund, over ₦116 billion has been disbursed to eligible students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide, covering institutional fees and upkeep allowances.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the surge in applications highlights the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in expanding access to tertiary education.
“It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda,” Sawyerr said.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to improving the scheme’s processes to ensure transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness, stressing that “every qualified Nigerian student, regardless of background or location,” can access higher education funding with dignity.
The agency also described the programme as non-discriminatory, benefiting Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines, and said it is helping to advance national unity by promoting equal learning opportunities.
“No Nigerian should be denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations,” the statement added.