IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF NELFUND IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Paul Amanda and Shimbura Garkoyeba
Volume 6 Issue 1
Abstract
This study examined the implementation challenges and prospects of The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in Nigerian tertiary institutions. NELFUND was established to improve access to tertiary education by providing financial support to eligible students across Nigerian higher institutions. Despite its laudable objectives, concerns have emerged regarding its implementation and overall effectiveness. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to students and selected administrative staff across sampled tertiary institutions. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the implementation of NELFUND is significantly constrained by administrative delays, inadequate institutional capacity, poor awareness among students, and technical challenges associated with the digital application platform. Institutional inefficiencies, including weak coordination between NELFUND and tertiary institutions, were also identified as major impediments to effective loan disbursement. However, the study found strong prospects for NELFUND in enhancing access to tertiary education, reducing student dropout rates, and promoting educational equity, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. The study concludes that while NELFUND has the potential to transform tertiary education financing in Nigeria, its success depends largely on improved administrative efficiency, robust ICT infrastructure, effective stakeholder collaboration, and sustained awareness campaigns. The study therefore recommends strengthened institutional capacity, enhanced transparency, continuous policy review, and targeted support for vulnerable students to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the scheme. Keywords: Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), implementation challenges, tertiary education, student loan scheme.
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