Maiduguri. University of Maiduguri Scores Massive ₦1.6B NELFUND Boost for 17,000+ Students

University of Maiduguri Receives Over ₦1.6 Billion from NELFUND to Support Over 17,000 Students

The University of Maiduguri has received a significant financial boost of over ₦1.6 billion from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), targeted at covering tuition and upkeep for more than 17,000 students.

According to a report by StartSmart Nigeria, the Federal Government—through NELFUND—has disbursed a total of ₦1,663,475,500.00 to the institution. This funding directly benefits 17,547 students, marking a major milestone in the rollout of Nigeria’s student loan initiative.

The student loan program is part of the government’s broader efforts to expand access to higher education by offering financial support to students across the country.

Disbursement Overview

The University of Maiduguri in Borno State is one of the first institutions to benefit from NELFUND’s groundbreaking student loan initiative. As part of the initial rollout, the approved funding will cover key educational costs such as tuition fees, learning materials, and other essential academic support—offering much-needed financial relief to thousands of students.

Total Amount Disbursed: ₦1,663,475,500.00
Number of Beneficiaries: 17,547 students
Purpose: Tuition support and educational financing under NELFUND

This financial intervention reflects the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to promoting inclusive, affordable, and quality tertiary education, especially in underserved regions like the Northeast.

Government Applauds Compliance and Transparency

Officials from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have praised the University of Maiduguri for its transparency and active collaboration during the student verification and processing stages. NELFUND confirmed that the loan disbursement adhered to strict data validation procedures, ensuring that only eligible and verified students received financial support.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, are not denied access to education due to financial barriers.

Strategic National Investment in Education

The NELFUND student loan scheme is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader education reform agenda. Beyond scholarships and grants, the focus has now shifted towards sustainable student loanfinancing as a means to support long-term educational development.

Earlier expenditures were recorded at institutions such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, which received over ₦900 million for eligible students. Similar interventions are expected at other universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country as the scheme scales nationwide.

What Comes Next ?

As the NELFUND initiative progresses, more tertiary institutions are expected to receive similar disbursements once student data verification is complete. Eligible students are advised to:

Regularly check their institutional portals for updates on loan disbursement status
Ensure their bank details and academic records are correctly submitted
Stay informed via official NELFUND communication channels

Institutions are also urged to collaborate with NELFUND in maintaining transparency, speeding up the verification process, and ensuring that no qualified student is left behind.