Group backs Tinubu, NELFUND over student loan scheme

The Student Wing of the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, citing the impact of the federal government’s student loan scheme on indigent students across the country. The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after an […]

The Student Wing of the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, citing the impact of the federal government’s student loan scheme on indigent students across the country.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency joint congress held in Abuja on Sunday to review issues affecting northern students, the implementation of the student loan programme, and security challenges facing tertiary institutions in the region.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the NYF Student Wing, Comrade Ibrahim Bello, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Hauwa Abdulaziz.

According to the group, the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act introduced under the Tinubu administration has improved access to tertiary education for students facing financial difficulties.

The congress described the scheme as transparent and beneficial to students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

It noted that more than 1.3 million Nigerian students had reportedly registered and applied through the NELFUND portal, which it said reflected growing confidence in the initiative.

The group also commended the reported disbursement of funds to public tertiary institutions and students for tuition and upkeep support.

According to the communiqué, the intervention had reduced financial pressure on students and their families by covering institutional charges and providing monthly stipends for living expenses.

The congress further stated that the loan process was digitalised and accessible to students across different regions without discrimination.

It added that the zero-interest repayment structure and deferred repayment plan after the National Youth Service Corps had made the initiative more attractive to young Nigerians.

The NYF Student Wing also expressed support for the management of NELFUND led by Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr.

While commending the federal government on the education loan programme, the group raised concerns over insecurity around tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria.

It appealed to the federal government to strengthen security around campuses and student residential areas vulnerable to attacks by bandits and kidnappers.

The congress called for increased funding for the Safe Schools Initiative as well as improved security patrols around tertiary institutions and major transit routes used by students.

The group urged students across the North to continue taking advantage of the NELFUND scheme while remaining law-abiding.