NELFUND Expands Access to Higher Education for Nigerian Students — Gov Yusuf

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, as a significant intervention expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students.

Yusuf made the remarks on Saturday at the second and third combined convocation ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, where 1,101 students graduated.

The governor commended the Federal Government for introducing NELFUND, saying the initiative was providing students and parents with greater opportunities to finance tertiary education.

According to him, the scheme is helping reduce financial barriers that could prevent qualified young Nigerians from pursuing higher education because of difficulties meeting educational costs.

Yusuf said access to affordable education was essential to developing a skilled population important to national development and economic growth.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to the education sector, particularly through the student loan programme.

The governor said investments in education should be regarded as investments in the future of Kano State and Nigeria, stressing that educated and skilled young people would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to society.

He urged the graduating students to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey into productive ventures and meaningful contributions.

Yusuf also encouraged the graduands to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, to prepare for changing economic conditions.

He urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and other values acquired during their studies and apply their knowledge to society.

He commended the university management for its contribution to higher education in Kano State.

The ceremony featured the conferment of honorary degrees on Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Alhaji Abdulmumini Mai Shanu.

A posthumous doctorate was also conferred on the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in recognition of his contributions to society.

NELFUND was established to provide financial support to eligible Nigerian students pursuing education in approved tertiary institutions, with its student loan portal opening in 2024.

Recent figures show that more than 1.65 million applications had been processed by early September 2026, while hundreds of billions of naira had been disbursed to students and institutions.

The programme provides institutional fee support and upkeep allowances, helping beneficiaries meet their financial demands associated with tertiary education.