Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), Dele Oye, has urged the Federal Government to replicate the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) model across government programmes to tackle nepotism, godfatherism and political interference in the distribution of public benefits.

According to Oye, the NELFUND model offers an opportunity to build a system in which Nigerians can access government support based on clearly defined eligibility criteria rather than political connections, influential sponsors or personal relationships with public officials.

In a statement, the AERE chairman argued that the government should extend the principles underpinning NELFUND to other social and economic intervention programmes ncluding scholarships, agricultural support, healthcare subsidies, housing and enterprise assistance.

According to him, public programmes should be designed to ensure that eligible citizens can obtain assistance without having to meet an official or secure the backing of a political godfather.

He noted that NELFUND had demonstrated how public support could be delivered through digital applications, identity verification, institutional confirmation and direct, traceable payments.

Oye cited NELFUND’s cumulative disbursement of N372.62 billion as of September 29, 2026, comprising N192.89 billion paid directly to 319 institutions and N179.73 billion disbursed to students as upkeep allowances.

AERE said the significance of the programme extended beyond the amount disbursed, arguing that its approach could help reduce gatekeeping and make access to public assistance more transparent and accountable.