FG Urges Nigerian Students Not To Abandon Tertiary Education Over Financial Hardship
By Iroyin Yoruba Television News Desk
The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerian students facing financial difficulties not to abandon their tertiary education, assuring them that measures are being developed to reduce the financial pressure associated with studying in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
The appeal was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon, who said no Nigerian student should be forced to discontinue education simply because of financial hardship.
Asefon's message comes at a time when the cost of tertiary education is attracting increasing attention, with students and families having to contend with tuition and institutional charges, accommodation, transportation, food, learning materials and other expenses associated with higher education.
The Federal Government's position is that financial difficulty should not automatically translate into dropping out of school.
The presidential aide said the government was creating opportunities intended to ease the burden on students and enable young Nigerians to remain in school despite economic challenges.
His comments also come against the background of the rapidly expanding Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has become one of the Federal Government's major mechanisms for providing financial support to students in public tertiary institutions.
Recent figures show that the programme has already reached hundreds of thousands of students and institutions, with hundreds of billions of naira disbursed since the student-loan portal was launched in 2024.
The latest development therefore places renewed attention on the question of whether financial support programmes can prevent students from abandoning their education during difficult economic periods.
A Warning Against Giving Up On Education
The message from the Presidency is straightforward: students who are struggling financially should seek available support rather than simply leave school.
For many Nigerian families, tertiary education represents a major financial commitment.
Even where tuition or institutional charges are manageable, students still have to pay for transportation, accommodation, food, textbooks, electronic devices, internet access, practical materials and other daily expenses.
For students who live far away from their institutions, transportation and accommodation can become particularly significant.
Those living in private accommodation may also face rising rents and utility costs.
Students who depend entirely on parents or guardians can be affected whenever household income becomes insufficient to cover growing expenses.
Some students also work while studying.
Others rely on part-time businesses, family support, scholarships or informal assistance from friends and relatives.
When these sources of support become unreliable, continuing education can become difficult.
It is against this background that the Federal Government is encouraging students not to see withdrawal from school as the only available option.
Student Loans At The Centre Of Government's Response
One of the most important tools being used by the Federal Government is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
The student-loan programme was introduced to provide financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions.
The programme is designed to cover approved institutional charges while also providing upkeep support to eligible students.
Its purpose is to reduce the immediate financial burden on students and their families and make it possible for students from lower-income households to remain in education.
Recent figures released by NELFUND show the scale of the programme.
As of September 3, 2026, the fund had processed 1,659,853 applications, with a total of N355.87 billion disbursed since the student-loan portal was launched in May 2024.
Of that amount, approximately N192.89 billion had been paid to beneficiary institutions for institutional charges, while N162.98 billion had been provided to students as upkeep allowances.
The figures demonstrate the level of demand for financial assistance among Nigerian students.
They also show that the student-loan programme has moved beyond the early stages of implementation and is now operating at a significant national scale.
More Than One Million Applications
The number of applications processed by NELFUND is particularly significant.
More than 1.65 million applications had been processed by September 3.
This does not necessarily mean that every applicant received the same level of support or that every application represents a unique individual beneficiary, because applications and disbursements are processed through different stages.
Nevertheless, the figure demonstrates substantial interest in the scheme.
The demand suggests that many Nigerian students and families are looking for alternative ways to finance tertiary education.
For the government, that demand presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
The opportunity is to create a financing mechanism capable of keeping students in school.
The challenge is to ensure that the programme remains financially sustainable as more students seek assistance.
NELFUND Has Disbursed Hundreds Of Billions
The total disbursement of N355.87 billion represents a major financial commitment.
The latest figures indicate that institutional payments account for roughly N192.89 billion, while student upkeep accounts for approximately N162.98 billion.
The institutional component is important because students can face difficulties when they are unable to pay required institutional charges.
By paying eligible charges directly through the programme, the system can reduce some of the pressure on students and their families.
The upkeep component addresses a different problem.
Even when institutional charges have been covered, students still need money to survive while studying.
Food, transportation, accommodation and other basic needs can determine whether a student is able to remain in school.
The upkeep allowance is therefore intended to provide some financial breathing room.
NELFUND Says Demand Has Been Overwhelming
The scale of demand was highlighted recently by NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Akintunde Sawyerr.
He described demand for student loans as overwhelming, saying many students had been struggling to remain in tertiary institutions before receiving assistance.
The NELFUND chief executive said the programme had provided a lifeline for students who might otherwise have struggled to finance their education.
He also said the fund had disbursed about N162 billion in upkeep allowances at the time of his latest remarks.
Sawyerr further stated that research available to the agency indicated that the student-loan scheme had contributed to a reduction in student dropout rates.
According to his statement, the reduction was about 20 per cent.
The claim is significant because preventing students from leaving school is one of the central arguments behind the financing scheme.
If financial assistance genuinely enables students who would otherwise withdraw to remain enrolled, the programme could have a long-term effect on Nigeria's education system.
Why Students Drop Out
Financial hardship is only one reason students leave tertiary education, but it can be a powerful factor.
A student may begin a programme with enough money to cover expenses but encounter difficulties later.
A parent may lose employment.
A family business may decline.
Medical expenses may arise.
The cost of accommodation may increase.
Transportation costs may rise.
Food prices may become more expensive.
A student who is already struggling financially can quickly find the situation impossible to manage.
In some cases, students may attempt to work while studying.
That can create another problem.
Working long hours can reduce the time available for lectures, assignments, studying and examinations.
Students may eventually find themselves choosing between earning enough money to survive and attending classes.
Financial support can therefore play a role in allowing students to focus more effectively on their studies.
The Burden On Parents
The student-loan programme also has implications for parents and guardians.
In Nigeria, many families continue to provide financial support for children attending tertiary institutions.
That responsibility can become difficult when several children are studying at the same time.
A family with two or three children in different institutions may have to pay multiple sets of expenses.
There may be tuition or institutional charges, accommodation, transport, food and educational materials for each child.
If household income does not rise at the same pace as expenses, parents can become heavily stretched.
Student financing can reduce some of that pressure.
However, the availability of loans does not remove the need for families to plan carefully.
Students and parents need to understand the conditions attached to the programme and the repayment requirements that will eventually apply.
The Loan Is Not A Grant
An important distinction must be made between student loans and scholarships.
A scholarship is generally awarded as financial support that does not require repayment under normal conditions.
A loan, on the other hand, is money that must eventually be repaid.
The Nigerian student-loan programme is therefore not free money.
Eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance during their education, but the programme is structured around repayment after the beneficiary has completed the relevant education and entered the repayment stage.
According to the current structure, repayment is scheduled to begin after the applicable post-NYSC period.
NELFUND has said beneficiaries are expected to repay according to their ability and the framework established for the programme.
This means students considering the scheme should understand that receiving assistance today creates a financial obligation for the future.
Why The Repayment System Matters
The sustainability of the student-loan scheme depends heavily on repayment.
If large numbers of beneficiaries receive money but the fund cannot recover loans when repayment becomes due, the government would have to find alternative sources of money to continue financing new students.
That could place pressure on public finances.
A recent policy analysis warned that the government needs to strengthen the loan-recovery infrastructure before beneficiaries begin reaching the point at which repayment enforcement becomes more important.
The analysis noted that beneficiaries who complete their studies and the required post-NYSC period will eventually enter the repayment phase.
NELFUND has also acknowledged that loan recovery is still developing.
The fund's management has been exploring different approaches to ensuring that the programme remains financially sustainable.
This is one of the most important challenges facing the scheme.
Government Wants Education To Remain Accessible
The latest appeal to students reflects a broader policy objective.
The government wants tertiary education to remain accessible even to students whose families cannot comfortably afford all associated costs.
This does not mean that every student will automatically receive financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements remain important.
But the existence of a national financing mechanism gives students another option when personal finances become difficult.
The government is essentially asking students to explore those options before making the decision to abandon their education.
The Importance Of Seeking Help Early
One lesson from the student-loan programme is that students facing financial problems should seek assistance before the situation becomes critical.
A student who waits until registration has been cancelled or examination access has been restricted may have fewer options.
Students should therefore communicate with their institutions when financial difficulties arise.
They should also investigate available scholarships, bursaries, student-loan opportunities and other forms of legitimate assistance.
Early action can sometimes prevent a temporary financial problem from becoming a permanent withdrawal from education.
Financial Hardship Does Not Affect All Students Equally
The impact of economic pressure varies from student to student.
A student whose parents have stable employment may have greater financial security than one whose family depends on irregular income.
Students from rural communities may face additional transportation challenges.
Students studying in major cities may face high accommodation and living costs.
Students with disabilities may also have additional expenses associated with transportation, accommodation or learning support.
This means that a single approach to student welfare may not solve every problem.
Financial support programmes need to be complemented by other measures.
Accommodation Is A Major Concern
For students studying outside their home communities, accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses.
A student may be able to pay institutional charges but still struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live.
When rent rises, students may move farther away from campus to reduce costs.
That can increase transportation expenses and commuting time.
Some students may also live in overcrowded accommodation because it is cheaper.
In extreme situations, students may temporarily return home and attempt to commute long distances to attend classes.
These circumstances can affect academic performance.
Student financing can help, but broader investment in affordable student accommodation is also necessary.
Food And Daily Living Costs
Students cannot study effectively if they cannot meet basic daily needs.
Food is therefore an important component of student welfare.
A student who spends much of the day worrying about where the next meal will come from may struggle to concentrate during lectures.
The upkeep component of the student-loan programme is intended partly to address this reality.
The support does not necessarily cover every expense, but it can provide a regular source of assistance.
The challenge is ensuring that payments reach eligible students consistently and that administrative problems do not create unnecessary delays.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is another significant expense.
Students who live far from campus may spend money every day travelling to lectures.
As transport fares rise, the total monthly cost can become substantial.
Some students respond by walking long distances or reducing the number of days they travel to campus.
Neither solution is ideal.
Reliable and affordable transportation is therefore an important part of education policy.
Student financial support can reduce some of the pressure, but universities and governments also need to consider transportation infrastructure around major campuses.
Learning Materials And Digital Access
Modern tertiary education also requires access to technology.
Students increasingly need smartphones, laptops, internet connectivity and digital learning resources.
Assignments may be submitted electronically.
Lecturers may distribute materials online.
Research often requires internet access.
Some courses require specialised software.
Students without reliable digital access can therefore face an additional disadvantage.
Financial assistance can help students obtain some of these resources, but digital inclusion remains a broader education issue.
The Importance Of Keeping Students In School
The consequences of dropping out can extend beyond the individual student.
A young person who leaves university or another tertiary institution without completing the programme may find it more difficult to access certain employment opportunities.
Employers often require specific qualifications.
Professional occupations can also require formal credentials.
A student who is forced to abandon education because of a temporary financial crisis may therefore face long-term consequences.
Keeping students in school can help protect the investment already made in their education.
It also means that public resources used to provide teaching, infrastructure and academic services are more likely to result in graduates.
Education And National Development
Nigeria's economic future depends partly on the quality and size of its skilled workforce.
The country needs doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, accountants, scientists, lawyers, technicians, entrepreneurs and other professionals.
Tertiary institutions are central to developing this workforce.
When students are unable to complete their education because of financial difficulties, the country loses part of that potential human capital.
This is why student welfare is not simply a personal issue.
It is also an economic-development issue.
A student who completes a degree and enters the workforce can contribute through employment, entrepreneurship, taxation, innovation and community development.
NELFUND's Growing Reach
The student-loan programme has expanded considerably since its launch.
Recent statistics indicate that the scheme now covers hundreds of public tertiary institutions.
One recent report put the number of beneficiary institutions at 319, while the latest data showed total disbursements of N355.87 billion.
The expansion means the programme is no longer a small pilot.
It has become a significant part of the financing landscape for Nigerian tertiary education.
The geographical spread of beneficiaries also demonstrates that the programme is reaching students across different parts of the country.
However, participation levels are not identical across the six geopolitical zones.
Regional Differences
Recent NELFUND figures showed differences in the number of beneficiaries across Nigeria's geopolitical zones.
The Northwest recorded the highest number in one recent breakdown, followed by the Northeast, Southwest, North Central, South-South and Southeast.
The Southeast recorded the lowest number in that particular dataset, with about 108,000 beneficiaries.
The differences raise questions about awareness, willingness to borrow, access to information and the financial circumstances of students in different parts of the country.
NELFUND management has previously indicated that sensitisation efforts are continuing.
Increasing awareness is important because a student cannot benefit from a programme they do not know exists.
Cultural Attitudes Towards Borrowing
Another issue is the way different communities perceive debt.
Some families may be uncomfortable with borrowing money for education, even when the loan carries favourable terms.
Students may also fear taking on a financial obligation before they have secured employment.
Such concerns can influence application rates.
The government therefore has a responsibility to explain the programme clearly.
Students need to understand how much they can borrow, what the money covers, when repayment begins and how repayment will work.
Clear information can reduce fear and misinformation.
Political Allegations And NELFUND
The student-loan programme has also faced political criticism.
NELFUND's management has rejected allegations that the scheme favours students connected to a particular political party.
Sawyerr described such allegations as unfounded and said the system was designed to operate according to established eligibility criteria rather than political affiliation.
For a national education-financing programme to maintain public confidence, transparency is essential.
Students need to believe that access is determined fairly.
The government also needs to publish credible information about applications, approvals and disbursements.
Transparency can help reduce suspicion and strengthen trust.
Students Still Need To Take Responsibility
While government has a role to play, students also have responsibilities.
Students who receive loans should use the funds for legitimate educational purposes.
They should keep their personal and academic information accurate.
They should respond to requests for verification.
They should understand the repayment obligations attached to the programme.
Most importantly, students should treat the support as an investment in their education rather than simply additional spending money.
The purpose of the programme is to help students complete their studies.
The Message From The Presidency
The latest appeal from Sunday Asefon therefore has two sides.
The first is encouragement.
Students should not give up on their education because of financial difficulties.
The second is awareness.
Students should make use of legitimate government programmes and other available opportunities designed to reduce financial pressure.
The message is particularly relevant for students who may be considering withdrawal because they believe there is no alternative.
The government is essentially asking them to seek assistance before making such a decision.
What Students Facing Financial Problems Can Do
Students experiencing financial difficulties can consider several steps.
First, they should speak with their institution's student-affairs or bursary department to determine what assistance is available.
Second, eligible students can investigate the NELFUND student-loan programme.
Third, they can search for legitimate scholarships and bursaries.
Fourth, they can speak with academic advisers if financial difficulties are affecting their attendance.
Fifth, they should avoid relying on unverified individuals who promise guaranteed access to government financial programmes.
Students should use official channels when applying for financial assistance.
Beware Of Fraudsters
Large government programmes often attract fraudsters.
Students should be cautious about anyone asking for money in exchange for guaranteed approval.
They should not surrender passwords, bank details or sensitive identification documents to unverified individuals.
They should also verify information about student loans through official government channels.
The growth of digital applications makes it easier for students to apply remotely, but it also creates opportunities for scammers to impersonate government agencies.
The Need For Faster Administration
The success of the student-loan programme depends partly on how efficiently applications are processed.
A student who urgently needs financial assistance may struggle if the application process takes too long.
Delays can be particularly damaging around registration periods.
If a student cannot complete registration because funding has not arrived, the financial problem can quickly become an academic problem.
Government agencies and tertiary institutions therefore need efficient systems for verification, approval and disbursement.
Technology can help, but systems must also be supported by effective human administration.
Long-Term Sustainability
The growth of the programme raises an important question: how can it be sustained for many years?
Student loans require a continuous source of financing.
New students need support every academic year.
At the same time, older beneficiaries eventually have to begin repayment.
The programme will therefore eventually depend partly on successful recovery.
NELFUND has said it is exploring multiple sources of financing.
The fund has also said that beneficiaries will eventually enter the repayment phase under the established rules.
The ability to recover loans fairly and efficiently will be critical to the programme's long-term future.
The First Major Test Will Be Repayment
The student-loan programme is still relatively young.
The first major repayment cycles will provide important information about whether the system can sustain itself.
If graduates find employment and repay their loans as expected, recovered funds can potentially support future students.
If repayment rates are low, government may have to provide more direct funding.
This is why discussions about student loans cannot focus only on current disbursements.
The entire cycle — application, approval, disbursement, graduation, employment and repayment — must work effectively.
Education As An Investment
The government's argument is that spending money on education should be viewed as an investment.
For the individual, education can improve employment opportunities and earning potential.
For society, education can produce a more skilled workforce.
For government, an educated workforce can contribute to economic growth and tax revenue.
For families, education can improve the long-term prospects of children.
This is why preventing financially motivated dropouts is important.
What Happens When Students Drop Out?
Leaving school does not necessarily mean a student can never return.
However, returning later can be difficult.
A student may have to start working to survive.
Family circumstances may change.
Academic requirements may change.
The cost of returning may increase.
Some students may never return at all.
Preventing unnecessary withdrawals is therefore generally preferable to trying to bring students back years later.
Government's Broader Responsibility
The appeal to students should not be interpreted as placing the entire burden on young people.
Government also has responsibilities.
These include ensuring that student-loan programmes operate effectively, expanding scholarship opportunities, improving tertiary infrastructure and addressing broader economic pressures that affect families.
Students cannot solve the cost-of-living crisis themselves.
They can only make decisions within the opportunities available to them.
That is why the government's financial-support programmes need to remain responsive to actual student needs.
Universities Also Have A Role
Tertiary institutions can help by providing accurate information about financial assistance.
Students should not have to depend entirely on social media to understand how government support programmes work.
Institutions can establish dedicated information desks, online portals and student-support systems.
They can also help identify students at risk of dropping out.
Early intervention can make a difference.
A student who misses classes because of unpaid accommodation or food insecurity may require immediate assistance.
Universities that have effective student-support systems can identify such problems before they become irreversible.
The Role Of Student Unions
Student unions can also contribute.
They can educate students about available financing opportunities.
They can communicate genuine concerns to university management.
They can help identify administrative problems affecting beneficiaries.
They can also discourage students from relying on fraudulent agents.
Student leadership is particularly important because students often trust information from their peers.
A Message To Parents And Guardians
Parents and guardians should also encourage students to remain focused on education where possible.
If a family is experiencing financial difficulty, the student should not be made to feel that dropping out is the only solution.
Families can explore available government support, scholarships, bursaries and other legitimate assistance.
At the same time, students should be encouraged to develop practical skills that can complement their academic qualifications.
Part-time work can sometimes help, provided it does not interfere seriously with academic responsibilities.
Education And Skills
Academic education remains important, but students can also benefit from acquiring additional skills.
Digital skills, entrepreneurship, communication, technical trades and professional certifications can complement a university or polytechnic qualification.
This can improve a graduate's ability to navigate the labour market.
However, additional skills should complement rather than replace a student's main education where the student is already enrolled in a tertiary programme.
The immediate goal should be to complete the qualification.
The Bigger Picture
The Federal Government's latest appeal comes at a significant moment for Nigerian tertiary education.
The country is attempting to expand access while facing economic pressures.
More young Nigerians want higher education.
At the same time, families are confronting rising living costs.
Student financing is therefore becoming increasingly important.
The NELFUND programme has demonstrated that there is substantial demand for financial assistance.
The next challenge is ensuring that the programme remains reliable, transparent and financially sustainable.
What Students Should Remember
The central message for students is simple.
Financial hardship should not automatically end an educational journey.
Students facing difficulties should first investigate available assistance.
They should communicate with their institutions.
They should consider legitimate student-loan opportunities.
They should seek scholarships and bursaries where eligible.
They should avoid fraudulent agents.
And they should understand the obligations attached to any loan they receive.
Conclusion
The Federal Government has urged Nigerian students not to abandon tertiary education simply because of financial hardship, saying opportunities are being created to reduce the financial burden facing young people.
The appeal by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon, comes as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund continues to expand its support for students across the country.
The latest available figures show that NELFUND had processed more than 1.65 million applications by September 3, 2026 and disbursed approximately N355.87 billion through the student-loan programme.
Of the amount, about N192.89 billion had gone to beneficiary institutions for institutional charges, while N162.98 billion had been provided as student upkeep allowances.
The programme's growing scale demonstrates the extent of the financial pressure facing many students and families.
At the same time, it represents an attempt by government to prevent money from becoming an automatic barrier to tertiary education.
NELFUND's management says demand for the programme has been overwhelming and has described the scheme as a lifeline for students who might otherwise struggle to remain in school.
There are still significant challenges.
The programme must remain financially sustainable.
Application and disbursement systems must operate efficiently.
Students must receive clear information.
Institutions must cooperate with the financing system.
And the eventual repayment process must be strong enough to allow recovered funds to support future generations of students.
For students currently struggling, however, the immediate message from government is that dropping out should not be the first option.
A temporary financial crisis should not necessarily destroy years of academic effort.
Students who have already invested time and energy in their education should explore every legitimate source of assistance available to them before deciding to leave school.
For Nigeria, keeping more young people in tertiary education is also an investment in the country's future workforce.
Every student who completes a degree, diploma or professional programme adds another trained person to the national pool of human capital.
That makes student welfare more than a matter of individual assistance.
It is part of the country's wider effort to develop the skilled workforce needed for economic growth.
The challenge now is to ensure that the promise of financial support becomes practical assistance for students who genuinely need it.
For students, the message remains clear: do not give up on your education simply because times are difficult. Seek help, understand your options and use every legitimate opportunity available to complete your studies.