A sign out picture of a final-year student of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), simply called King Jack, sparked widespread conversations on the popular microblog site, X.com (formerly Twitter) recently.
Jack, in an ecstasy of rounding off his studies successfully in the university, inscribed a bold message of gratitude, “Thank You NELFUND”, at the back of his white shirt, which also had signatures of other students, who took turns to congratulate the student on the completion of his studies.
What looked like just an expression of freedom from academic rigorous has, however, become a sensation in the online community with netizens taking time to give their praises of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) programme, launched a year ago by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In the image of Jack first shared by Akwa Ibom Hypeman @romeocza, he commented, “I like this guy. Signed out of UniUyo and appreciated NELFUND, that’s a W (wow) for the student loan programme of President Tinubu. I thought they it was a scam.’’
Foundational Nupe Lawyer on his handle, @egi_nupe reacted to the post and canvassed for automatic employment for King Jack “NELFUND should give that guy automatic employment, if they have a role for him. Takes a good mind to acknowledge such an initiative that’s widely condemned,’’ he stated.
Ayooluwa Phillip on his X.com handle @DePaytez wrote that since the launch of the student loan, the tradition of contributing money to bail out fellow financially-distressed students has become a thing of the past in his department.
He posted: “Sir, school fees’ contribution for students who couldn’t pay disappeared in my department when NELFUND came. A guy had to start from 200L again as his colleagues graduate because of school fees. I know generations will remember PBAT. We’re quiet for now. I can die for that man.’’
Others, who commented, include Steeze on steeze. Posting on his handle, @EmmanuelJo59434, he remarked thus: “Well, I guess that’s one thing this administration has done right. I applied for my younger sister doing (studying) nursing in BUK, and she has been getting the tuition fees and upkeep allowance since 2024, it’s real.’’
Ashir A.A @Abdull155128421 posted: “God bless you, as you talk truth now shey you die? Hell no… People need to acknowledge the good work; we don’t have to always concentrate on the bad. Nation building is a gradual process. Nigeria will be great!!!’’
Further affirming the student loan as real, NaijaDentist @kayode_MK said: “Nearly 400,000 students have already benefitted from the student loan scheme (NELFUND), with over N77bn disbursed for tuition and upkeep.’’
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), launched by President Bola Tinubu, a year ago, is a Federal Government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The scheme provides interest-free loans to eligible students to cover tuition fees and upkeep allowances. With a mission to increase access to education and reduce the financial burden on students, NELFUND is committed to empowering the next generation of Nigerians.
As a carefully thought-out initiative, the loan programme is in an alignment with three policy imperatives: the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 4 (UN SDG-4) focusing on Quality Education, and aiming to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025); and Renewed Hope Agenda (2023–2031) aimed to reduce out-of-school youth and promote employability.
Since launch on 24th May, 2024, over N77 billion has been disbursed as tuition fees and monthly upkeep allowance to 396,252 students in 210 tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NELFUND student loan programme has become a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerian youths seeking higher education.