By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
The President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Emonefe Lucky, has lauded the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and its Managing Director, Mr. Sawyerr Akintude, for ensuring a transparent and merit-based process in the disbursement of student loans across the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday, NANS emphasized its confidence in the agency’s commitment to equity and accountability, particularly noting the absence of external political interference in the loan allocation process.
The association described the initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, as a “timely intervention” poised to significantly enhance access to quality education for Nigerian students which is a frontline priority in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
“The transparency exhibited by NELFUND under Mr. Akintude’s leadership is commendable and reflects the integrity this administration promised,” said Comrade Lucky.
“Students from all regions are benefiting without the need for recommendations or undue favors, which underscores the policy’s fairness and effectiveness,” he said.
Since its launch, thousands of Nigerian students in tertiary institutions have successfully accessed the loan scheme to support their academic pursuits, with thousands more currently undergoing streamlined application processes.
NANS highlighted that the online application system, designed to prioritize merit and need, has eliminated bureaucratic bottlenecks and entrenched a culture of accountability.
The association further praised President Tinubu for appointing Mr. Akintude, whom they described as a “seasoned administrator with a proven track record of excellence.”
According to NANS, the Managing Director’s dedication to due process and stakeholder engagement has strengthened public trust in the program.
“This initiative is a game-changer for education in Nigeria,” the statement read. “By insulating the process from political influence and focusing on students’ welfare, President Tinubu and Mr. Akintude have demonstrated that transformative leadership is achievable.”
NANS urged continued adherence to the policy’s guiding principles while calling on students nationwide to leverage the opportunity responsibly.
The association also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with NELFUND to address emerging challenges and ensure sustained inclusivity.
The student loan scheme, a flagship program of the Tinubu administration, aims to alleviate financial barriers to higher education and empower Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
With NELFUND’s operational transparency earning widespread acclaim, stakeholders express optimism that the initiative will serve as a model for future public interventions in the education sector.
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