By Veronica Iji
The management of Akperen Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, Benue State, has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a transformative programme that is expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students.
Speaking on behalf of the institution, Nomishan Iyorrumun said the student loan scheme represents a practical and powerful expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to expand access to education.
He also praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for effectively translating the President’s policy direction into tangible support for students across the country.
According to Iyorrumun, the initiative goes beyond promises and rhetoric by providing a concrete and scalable solution that is already transforming the lives of over one million Nigerian students and their families.
He noted that NELFUND is playing a critical role in stabilising student populations in tertiary institutions, improving academic engagement, and helping many students remain in school and complete their education.
Iyorrumun explained that the scheme represents a significant departure from the ad-hoc and inconsistent funding arrangements that previously characterised student financing in Nigeria.
He added that the fully digital application portal and transparent disbursement system ensure that financial support reaches students predictably and fairly.
According to him, the structure of the programme reflects key elements of successful education loan systems in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, which emphasise broad access to education regardless of financial background.
Iyorrumun also observed that the integration of digital infrastructure for application, processing, and monitoring has improved administrative efficiency.
“The impact is already visible. Campuses are becoming fuller, dropout rates are declining, and students can now focus more on their studies rather than worrying about how to fund their education,” he said.
He added that the initiative not only provides financial support to students but also contributes to national development by helping to build a skilled workforce that will drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
Iyorrumun, therefore, urged the Federal Government to sustain and expand the programme so that more Nigerian students can benefit from access to quality higher education.
He expressed confidence that continued investment in initiatives such as NELFUND would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital development and secure a brighter future for generations to come.