NELFUND: Group hails Tinubu’s approval of over N250bn for hostel devt

A good governance advocacy group, Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as transformative interventions in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the approval of over N250 billion for hostel development in federal universities.

In a statement issued by its Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to revitalising education through policies and programmes aimed at improving access to learning and strengthening infrastructure across tertiary institutions.

According to the group, one of the administration’s most impactful achievements is the operationalisation of NELFUND, which provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, thereby removing financial barriers that have prevented many young Nigerians from accessing higher education.

HAI noted that, for decades, countless students have struggled to pursue their academic ambitions due to financial constraints, adding that the student loan scheme has opened new opportunities for deserving youths regardless of their economic backgrounds.

“The scheme is not just about financing tuition; it is about democratising opportunity. By removing financial barriers, NELFUND empowers students from diverse backgrounds to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy,” the statement said.

The group added that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development as a key driver of national growth and prosperity.

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HAI also praised the Federal Government’s recent decision to release N2 billion each to federal universities for the construction of 500-bed hostel facilities, describing the intervention as a major step towards addressing the long-standing accommodation challenges faced by students.

According to the group, the hostel development programme, valued at over N250 billion nationwide, will significantly improve living conditions on campuses and enhance the overall learning environment for students.

“This intervention is a game-changer for thousands of students who have had to grapple with inadequate and dilapidated hostel infrastructure for many years,” the statement added.

The organisation, however, urged university authorities to ensure the prompt refund of school fees to students who had paid their tuition before receiving support through the NELFUND scheme.

While reaffirming its support for the administration’s educational reforms, HAI called on Nigerians to continue backing government efforts aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating greater opportunities for young people.

The group maintained that the Tinubu administration has set a new benchmark in educational development through its various interventions and expressed optimism that sustained investment in education would contribute significantly to national development.