NELFUND has eased financial burden on poor students – Shettima

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant step towards reducing financial hardships faced by impoverished students, enabling them to pursue higher education without barriers. Established by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, NELFUND has become a pivotal tool for poverty reduction and education advancement in Nigeria.

During a meeting with the University of Abuja's management team, Shettima explained that the fund covers tuition fees and provides monthly upkeep allowances, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from attending tertiary institutions. Recalling personal struggles during his student days at the University of Maiduguri, Shettima highlighted NELFUND's role in providing a much-needed respite for the children of the poor.

He emphasized that Nigeria has embarked on a path of sustainable economic development under the Tinubu administration, citing strong foreign exchange reserves, increased oil production, and macroeconomic reforms as key factors. Shettima commended the University of Abuja's leadership, particularly Vice Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, for overcoming past challenges and restoring stability to the institution.

Fawehinmi acknowledged Shettima's leadership role in the Tinubu administration's growth and development initiatives, describing him as a dynamic leader. He also praised NELFUND's contribution to the stability of Nigeria's education sector, stating that students can now attend school and sustain their education. Despite past leadership issues, Fawehinmi highlighted the University of Abuja's recent efforts to stabilize the institution under Shettima's guidance.