The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed N7,786,400 to cover the fees of 26 students at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) in Igbo-Eno, Enugu State. This payment was made under the Federal Government's Student Loan Programme, aimed at improving access to higher education. The fund was confirmed in a letter dated July 6, 2026, signed by SUMAS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Ogbonna.
The letter, titled "Acknowledgement of payment for 26 Students from State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State," acknowledged receipt of the payment. Prof. Ogbonna stated that the institution had commenced the process of refunding students who had already paid their fees for the 2025/2026 academic session. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on students.
According to NELFUND's dashboard, as of September 3, 2026, the Fund had processed 1,659,853 student loan applications. A total of N355.87 billion was disbursed to beneficiaries in 319 institutions. This amount comprised N192.89 billion in institutional fees and N162.98 billion in upkeep allowances. These figures indicate the scope of the Fund's financial support across Nigeria's educational institutions.
The disbursements were made as part of the Federal Government's student loan programme, designed to provide financial support for institutional fees and students' upkeep. The programme aims to enhance access to higher education, ensuring that students from various backgrounds can pursue their academic goals without financial constraints.
NELFUND's Student Loan Disbursement Status Report, covering the period from the launch of the NELFUND Student Loan Portal on May 24, 2024, showed significant progress. The report indicated that institutional fees accounted for more than half of the total amount disbursed, while upkeep allowances represented funds paid directly to students.
The Fund's Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, has overseen the implementation of the student loan programme. The programme has expanded financial support to students across hundreds of institutions, reflecting the government's commitment to education.
The successful disbursement of funds to students at SUMAS and other institutions demonstrates NELFUND's effectiveness in supporting Nigeria's education sector. With continued implementation, the programme is expected to benefit more students across the country.
Key points
- NELFUND has disbursed N355.87 billion to 1,659,853 students in 319 institutions.
- The fund covers both institutional fees and students' upkeep allowances.
- NELFUND's student loan programme aims to improve access to higher education in Nigeria.
