By our Reporter
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the credibility and sustainability of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), while addressing public concerns about its operations.
At the Minister’s Conference Room, Abuja, Dr. Alausa received the report of the Committee on Harmonization of NELFund Administration and Charges, chaired by Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary, and co-chaired by Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary, NUC. Other members included Professor Akintunde Sawyerr, Mr. Mustafa Abdullahi, and Professor Folasade Olusola.
The Minister congratulated the committee, describing the assignment as crucial to Nigeria’s education sector. He emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education, highlighted by the launch of the loan scheme early in his administration. Dr. Alausa noted that while NELFund is a flagship program, earlier challenges arose from poor institutional communication and non-standardized processes.
He commended the committee’s recommendations, including harmonizing fee structures, setting clear timelines for applications, strengthening institutional participation, leveraging technology, and improving public communication. He assured immediate implementation with a focus on monitoring, transparency, and accountability.
Presenting the report, Prof. Ribadu stressed the need for sustainable repayment structures, robust feedback mechanisms, partnerships with financial institutions, and periodic policy reviews.
The Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to ensure the loan program removes financial barriers, promotes equal access, and supports a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
