The federal government has announced that more than 396,000 students have received assistance through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) tuition loans during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This announcement was made during a town hall meeting held on Friday in Lokoja, which aimed to showcase the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration over the past two years, particularly in Kogi State.
Lawal Shuaibu, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the positive impact of various initiatives on Nigerians, especially students.
“One significant achievement is the NELFUND tuition loan scheme, which has aided over 396,000 students as of August 7, 2025. This initiative is designed to provide financial support, enabling students to complete their education and secure their futures,” Shuaibu stated.
He further noted that Kogi State has attracted investments exceeding N900 billion, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for agricultural purposes.
In discussing industrial development, Shuaibu mentioned the commencement of construction on five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, with an investment of over $500 million. “This project is anticipated to create job opportunities, supply energy to several states, and establish Nigeria as a significant player in the global energy sector,” he explained.
Additionally, plans have been announced to train 25,000 youths in mineral exploration.
Earlier, Sabina Abalaka, head of the Federal Information Centre in Lokoja, explained that the program was aimed at informing the public about the federal government’s accomplishments. She emphasized that the Tinubu administration has taken decisive actions to address economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidies, to foster sustainable growth in the country.
“Despite initial difficulties, these governmental actions are projected to have a positive effect on economic growth and national development,” Abalaka remarked.
Ismaila Isah, special adviser on media to the Kogi governor, emphasized the president’s achievements across various sectors. He noted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP), which has seen the commissioning of 2,000 tractors and 9,022 specialized implements.
“This represents the largest mechanization initiative in Nigeria’s history. The program has also facilitated the cultivation of over 55,000 hectares of land and created 60,000 jobs. In Kogi, Governor Ahmed Ododo has distributed fertilizers to 30,000 farmers and initiated a tractor refurbishment program, resulting in savings of N20 billion for the state. Furthermore, the government has allocated 100 hectares of land to the Federal Housing Authority for the construction of a 1,000-unit housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project,” Isah stated.
Represented by Oyiza Bello-Salami, Isah reiterated Kogi’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s reforms and developmental initiatives.
“Governor Ododo commended the president’s visionary leadership and bold policies, which are already yielding positive results. The state government is dedicated to implementing programs that align with the federal agenda, including the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development,” Isah added.
The Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo, praised the Tinubu administration for its reforms that have positively affected citizens’ lives.
In remarks delivered by the Matawale of Lokoja, Ademu Muhammed, the Maigari recognized the NELFUND initiative for easing the financial burdens of school fees and living expenses for students and their families. He urged that the benefits of these initiatives be extended to grassroots communities and acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve foreign reserves.
(NAN)
