Students of the University of Abuja have applauded President Bola Tinubu for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the scheme has significantly eased the financial burden of higher education and allowed them to concentrate more on their studies.

The students, who spoke in separate appreciation messages, said the monthly upkeep allowances and payment of installational fees under the initiative had provided much-needed relief for them and their parents, with some saying the intervention had enabled them to meet academic expenses without constantly relying on their families.

They also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the NELFUND Board, Jim Ovia, and the Fund’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Akintunde Sawyerr, for ensuring that the initiative translates into tangible support for students.

A 300-level Geography student of the University of Abuja, Billy Opeyemi, said the intervention had enabled him to devote more attention to his studies while reducing the pressure of combining academics with work.

“I appreciate the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the NELFUND initiative. It is a very timely initiative that has helped me save and focus more on my studies because I am a student and also work,” he said.

Opeyemi added that having access to funds to pay his tuition fees had made it easier for him to concentrate on his academic pursuits rather than being overwhelmed by financial concerns.

Similarly, Bukata Franklyn, a Veterinary Medicine student of the university, said the NELFUND upkeep allowance had lifted a major burden from his shoulders and enabled him to focus more freely on his studies.

“Keeping up with daily academic experiences has really been hard. But with this timely intervention, lots of burden has been lifted, and I can focus freely on my studies,” Franklyn said.

He thanked Tinubu for what he described as a “wonderful initiative”, while also commending Ovia, Sawyerr and the entire NELFUND management team for their intervention on behalf of Nigerian students.

“Indeed, we can see our hope is renewed,” he said.

For 200-level History and Diplomatic Studies student, Chinonye Chucks, the impact of NELFUND extends beyond students to their families, particularly parents struggling to meet the rising cost of tertiary education.

Chucks said the scheme had reduced the financial stress and anxiety associated with school fees, projects, assignments and other academic expenses, noting that students could now study with greater peace of mind.

“The students now study without worrying about their school fees or projects to pay and things to sort out because of the monthly upkeep and the school fees being sorted out on their behalf,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience, Chucks recalled that her first year at the university was particularly difficult because of her parents’ limited financial capacity.

“I could say 100 Level was hard because my parents could not afford much. But with this initiative, I was able to pay my school fees, pay for projects and assignments without even bothering my parents,” she said.

She described Tinubu as a “burden bearer” for students and parents, adding that the initiative had helped families at large.

Chucks also commended Sawyerr for his dedication and commitment to ensuring that students not only receive the intervention but are able to pursue their education without constant financial worries.

Meanwhile, the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano State, has acknowledged the receipt of N180.35 million from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for 2,152 students under the 2025/2026 academic session.

The university disclosed this in a letter dated July 13, 2026, addressed to the Fund’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, confirming that the funds were received in four batches between March and June 2026. The institution said the total amount represented students’ loan for the academic session.

In the letter signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Nouruddeen Umar, for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa Yakasi, the university expressed appreciation to NELFUND for considering its students under the loan scheme.

According to the breakdown contained in the letter, the first payment of N78.93 million was received on March 5 for 946 beneficiaries, while a second tranche of N75.81 million was received on March 23 for 900 students.

The university further disclosed that N20.65 million was received on April 23 for 247 beneficiaries, while the fourth and final tranche of N4.96 million was received on June 1 for 59 students, bringing the total beneficiaries to 2,152 and the cumulative amount to N180,346,256.