Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s student loan programme records more than 1.2 million applications within 20 months, marking a major milestone in access to higher education.
According to a statement from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on Sunday, a total of 1,219,588 students has applied under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme since its launch.
The statement describes the initiative as a “game-changer” aligned with President Tinubu’s commitment to people-centred and sustainable education policies.
Of the total applications received, 788,947 students have already benefited. The Fund has disbursed ₦140.88 billion in institutional fees to 262 tertiary institutions, alongside ₦58.54 billion in upkeep allowances.
In a separate statement, the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, says the rapid uptake reflects growing national confidence in the programme. “This milestone, achieved barely a year after launch, shows increasing acceptance and trust in the student loan scheme,” Oluwatuyi says.
The scheme officially begins operations on May 24, 2024, as part of broader reforms to remove financial barriers to tertiary education.
The Fund reaffirms its commitment to expanding access, easing student hardship and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital development agenda.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Juliet Jacob