Radda Urges Northwest Students to Take Advantage of NELFUND

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has urged students across the Northwest to take ownership of efforts to create awareness about the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and ensure that eligible students benefit from the scheme.

Radda made the call in Katsina while participating in the NELFUND National Sensitisation Programme held at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, alongside members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, NELFUND management, student leaders, heads of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders from the seven Northwest states.

The governor described NELFUND as one of the major interventions of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the scheme is helping to expand access to higher education by providing financial support to students who may face difficulties funding their tertiary education.

He, however, noted that awareness and utilisation of NELFUND remain inadequate in parts of the Northwest, urging students and particularly student leaders to play an active role in educating their colleagues and communities about the scheme.

Radda said student leaders should ensure that eligible students understand how to access NELFUND and use the financial support responsibly.

The governor also appealed to NELFUND to consider allowing students to complete their academic registration before institutional fees are paid through the scheme.

According to him, such an arrangement would reduce financial pressure on students and parents while making the process more convenient for beneficiaries.

He disclosed that the Katsina State Government had already established sensitisation committees that have visited local government areas and tertiary institutions to create awareness about NELFUND and other educational opportunities available to students.

Addressing students, Radda said the education loan scheme should be viewed as an opportunity meant for them and not something reserved for others.

“NELFUND is not for somebody else; it is for you. Take responsibility for understanding the scheme, accessing it responsibly and making the most of the opportunity it provides.”

The governor commended the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund for choosing Katsina to host the Northwest sensitisation programme.

He also appreciated tertiary institutions, student leaders and other stakeholders for their efforts towards ensuring that deserving students are not denied access to higher education because of financial difficulties.