The Federal Government has announced that more than 788,000 Nigerian students have so far benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with disbursements exceeding ₦150 billion.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja.

According to the minister, 2025 recorded significant progress in the implementation of targeted policies aimed at supporting young Nigerians, with NELFUND emerging as a major intervention in the education sector.

“For our young people, 2025 has been a bumper year for targeted and catalytic policies with clear implementation plans,” Idris said.

He explained that the education loan scheme has provided interest-free loans and stipends to over 788,000 students across the country, stressing that the programme is still expanding.

“The president’s desire is that no young Nigerian of school age should be denied education because their parents or guardians cannot afford tuition fees or upkeep,” the minister stated.

Idris further emphasised that access to NELFUND does not require political connections or personal influence, adding that the programme remains open to all eligible students.

“You don’t need to know anybody to access NELFUND. Over 788,000 students have already benefited, and the president is committed to sustaining and expanding the programme,” he said.