Mismanagement of NELFUND: A betrayal of Nigeria’s future and youth, by Dr. Tukur Madu Yemi
The recent news from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) about the poor handling of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is very worrying. As a university lecturer who works closely with students, I find this situation not just disappointing but unfair to millions of young Nigerians.
The ICPC reported that only ₦44.2 billion out of ₦203.8 billion meant for student loans has been given out. This big difference raises serious questions about how the money is being managed. It suggests possible corruption, carelessness, and poor planning. This is a serious injustice to our students, to our schools, and to our country.
NELFUND was created to help students from poor and average families to go to school without worrying too much about money. It was meant to give them hope and a chance for a better future. So, hearing that the money meant for this purpose is not reaching the students is very painful. It feels like the system has failed them.
In our universities, we see bright and hardworking students who are struggling to stay in school because they can’t afford fees or buy the materials they need. These are the same students the loan was meant to help. When they lose hope because of poor management or corruption, it shows that something is deeply wrong with our system.
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What makes it worse is that nothing serious has been done since this issue came to light. No one has been held responsible. No action has been taken. This silence is dangerous. It tells people that even money meant to help our future leaders can be misused without punishment.
We must not accept this
That is why I am calling on the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take strong and open steps to correct this. These are the actions that must be taken:
1. The government should name and shame those who delayed or misused the loan funds.
2. Those responsible should be punished by law, no matter their position.
3. There should be a full and careful check (forensic audit) of how NELFUND has been run so far.
4. Strong rules must be put in place to make sure this does not happen again.
Mr. President, the whole country is watching. Students whose dreams are on hold are watching. Parents who struggle to pay school fees are watching. Lecturers who work with little support are watching. History will remember how your government responded.
Nigeria cannot grow if we continue to play with the future of our young people. We must protect education. The money set aside to help students must be used wisely, honestly, and fairly. Anything less will be a great mistake—and a great shame.
Written by Dr Tukur Madu Yemi,
Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State.
Email: alhajitukur68@gmail.com
09/05/2025
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