By Veronica Iji

The former Vice-Chancellor of Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, Professor Y.A. Zakari, has commended the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, describing it as a critical intervention for students across the country.

Speaking in a recent interview, Professor Zakari expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the initiative, noting that it addresses long-standing financial barriers faced by students in higher institutions.

He also praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for effectively implementing the President’s vision, adding that the programme has helped students meet tuition obligations, cover living expenses, and cope with rising educational costs.

According to him, NELFUND has significantly reduced student dropouts caused by financial hardship, improved enrollment rates, and allowed students to focus more on their studies. He noted that lump-sum disbursements to universities have also boosted internally generated revenue, supporting teaching, research, and overall institutional development.

Professor Zakari, however, called for the expansion of the scheme to include accommodation, transportation, and increased upkeep allowances, stressing that broader support would further enhance student welfare and strengthen the quality of higher education in Nigeria.