Federal Government has announced that over 396,000 students have accessed tuition loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, significantly easing financial barriers to education.
Speaking at a townhall meeting in Lokoja on Friday to showcase the administration’s achievements, Mr. Lawal Shuaibu, representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the transformative impact of NELFUND.
“As of August 7, 2025, this initiative has supported over 396,000 students, ensuring they can pursue their education and secure a brighter future,” Shuaibu said.
Shuaibu also detailed major investments in Kogi, including over N900 billion for projects like clearing 7,800 hectares of land for agriculture.
On industrialization, he announced the launch of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, valued at over $500 million.
“These plants will create jobs, provide energy to multiple states, and elevate Nigeria’s role in the global energy market,” he noted.
Additionally, the state government plans to train 25,000 youths in mineral exploration, fostering economic growth.
Mrs. Sabina Abalaka, Head of the Federal Information Centre in Lokoja, emphasized the event’s goal of raising awareness about federal achievements.
“President Tinubu’s bold decisions, like fuel subsidy removal, are paving the way for sustainable growth despite early challenges,” she said.
Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi Governor, Mr. Ismaila Isah, represented by Mrs. Oyiza Bello-Salami, praised Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP). “The commissioning of 2,000 tractors and 9,022 implements marks Nigeria’s largest mechanization effort, cultivating over 55,000 hectares and creating 60,000 jobs,” Isah said.
In Kogi, Governor Ahmed Ododo has supported 30,000 farmers with fertilizers and saved N20 billion through a tractor refurbishment program.
Isah also highlighted the allocation of 100 hectares for a 1,000-unit housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project.
“Governor Ododo commends President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and aligns state programs, like the new Ministry of Livestock Development, with federal goals,” he added.
The Maigari of Lokoja, Alh. Ibrahim Gambo, represented by Alhaji Ademu Muhammed, lauded NELFUND for easing the financial burdens of students and parents.
“This initiative is a game-changer for education,” he said, while also appreciating improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
He urged the government to extend these benefits to grassroots communities for broader impact.
