- Dr. Alausa Unveils New NELFUND Guidelines for Tertiary Institutions Nationwide
- Among the key recommendations are the creation of a harmonised fee nomenclature for tertiary institutions
- Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad laud President Tinubu for prioritising student welfare
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, announced the development while presenting the report of the Ministerial Committee on NELFUND. He explained that the move underscores the government’s commitment to Nigerian students and their families by addressing recent concerns surrounding the loan scheme.
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According to Dr. Alausa, the committee’s findings followed extensive consultations with vice-chancellors, rectors, and other stakeholders. While it found no evidence of fund mismanagement, it highlighted the need for a harmonised framework that promotes trust, transparency, and efficiency in loan administration.
Among the key recommendations are the creation of a harmonised fee nomenclature for tertiary institutions, strict timelines for internal verification and disbursement of funds, enhanced communication with students across multiple channels, and a uniform refund policy. The committee also advised that NELFUND collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria to facilitate real-time access to balances domiciled in the Treasury Single Account, ensuring that all processes remain evidence-based and data-driven.
Under the new framework, guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education will replace individual Memoranda of Understanding previously signed between NELFUND and tertiary institutions. This change is expected to streamline administration and ensure that no eligible student is denied registration or examination access due to funding delays.
Dr. Alausa described the release of the guidelines as a major milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector. He commended the president’s dedication to youth empowerment, improved access to quality education, and reforms that place Nigerian students at the centre of national development.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, joined Dr. Alausa in expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising student welfare and supporting transformative policies such as the NELFUND guidelines.
“This is another good day for Nigerian students and their families,” the ministers said in a joint statement. “It is a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s belief in education as the foundation of society and in our youth as the heartbeat of the nation. On behalf of the Ministry and millions of students across the country, we express our deep appreciation to Mr President for his continued support in expanding access to durable, high-quality education for all Nigerians.”
The Ministry of Education assured the public that it will closely monitor the implementation of the new guidelines to guarantee accountability, efficiency, and the successful delivery of the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme.
