NELFUND loans will cover students tuition, dept charges — Minister
The federal government has announced sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, including a unified fee structure for universities and full coverage of student fees under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who disclosed this at a recent media parley in Abuja, emphasised that the changes were aimed at improving transparency, fairness and accessibility across higher institutions.
Dr. Alausa assured parents and students that NELFUND loans would fully cover all fees charged by tertiary institutions, including tuition, departmental charges, and other related costs.
“The federal government, through NELFUND loans, will ensure that no student is denied access to education due to financial challenges,” he said.
He added that the initiative was designed to create equal access to higher education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while easing financial burdens on families and guaranteeing uninterrupted learning.
On the broader reforms, the minister announced that all Nigerian universities would soon operate under a standardised and unified fee structure.
This, he explained, would eliminate arbitrary charges and inconsistencies across institutions. “With NELFUND loans supporting students, every fee will be clearly defined, transparent, and uniform across our universities,” he noted.
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Dr. Alausa also highlighted the role of technology in transforming the education sector. He pointed to efforts to integrate artificial intelligence in classrooms, deploy solar-powered infrastructure, provide tablets to teachers, and expand digital literacy for students.
According to him, local tech companies are already developing innovative tools to support these reforms.
“Technology must play a central role in reshaping our education system. Leveraging AI, digital platforms, and solar solutions will not only improve lesson delivery but also prepare Nigerian students for global competitiveness,” he said.
The minister further underscored the need for accountability in the system, calling for stricter enforcement of the Exam Malpractice Act, discipline for erring lecturers and stronger oversight by university governing councils.
He also called for a review of Nigeria’s overloaded curriculum, warning that the current structure dilutes focus and must be streamlined for relevance.
While acknowledging the importance of mother tongue in early learning, he cautioned that linguistic diversity, especially in Northern Nigeria, poses challenges to implementation. He urged stakeholders to seek balanced approaches that prioritize learning outcomes.
Commending the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, for its role in financing educational projects, Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to modernisation, accountability, and sustainability in education.
“Since assuming office, our reforms have been bold, forward-looking, and focused on building an education system that Nigerians can be proud of,” he concluded.
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As part of these reforms, Dr. Alausa announced new measures directly benefiting both students and staff of tertiary institutions. These include:
Launch of a Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund: The fund is designed to enhance the welfare and professional development of academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Each staff member will be eligible to receive up to ¦ 10 million, capped at 33.3 per cent of their gross annual salary. The loans may be used for transportation, medical support, and micro-enterprise ventures such as poultry farming.
Payment of Earned Academic Allowance, EAA: After nearly two decades of delay, the federal government fulfilled its obligation to university lecturers with the disbursement of ¦ 50 billion in June 2025 as the first tranche of the EAA.
National Student Loan Programme via NELFUND: While one of President Bola Tinubu’s signature policies, its implementation and targeting, especially in northern Nigeria, had been closely coordinated with the Ministry of Education.
The application portal for the programme, managed by NELFUND, first opened on May 24, 2024, offering interest-free loans to eligible students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and upkeep.
By July 24, 2025, NELFUND reported that more than ¦ 77 billion (US$50 million) had been disbursed to 396,252 students across 210 tertiary institutions nationwide. Applications for the 2023/2024 academic session closed on February 21, 2025, while the portal for the 2024/2025 cycle opened on February 22, 2025.
Gunmen invade Ogun polytechnic hostel, abduct five students
At least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, were reportedly abducted after suspected gunmen attacked a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo, prompting the institution to cancel examinations scheduled for Thursday.
The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening at a private hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara, a community near the polytechnic.
According to accounts from the school community, the armed attackers operated for about 30 minutes and fired gunshots before taking away some occupants of the hostel.
The incident caused fear among students and residents, particularly because the hostel was reportedly located in an isolated area surrounded by dense vegetation.
Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic announced the cancellation of examinations scheduled for Thursday.
In a notice issued to students, the institution said examinations scheduled for Friday would proceed as planned unless a further announcement was made.
“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled,” the notice stated.
“However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.”
The management encouraged students to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels and continue preparing for their examinations.
The GAPOSA Students’ Union Government (SUG) later confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.
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In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the hostel as being in a remote location that could expose students to security risks.
The union said the attack began at about 7:45 p.m. and lasted for approximately 30 minutes.
According to the SUG, several students escaped through the ceiling of the building, while others were unable to flee before the attackers left the area.
The union said gunshots were fired during the incident but added that no student was reported dead.
“We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident,” the statement said.
“The matter has officially been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, and we are confident that immediate efforts are underway to ensure the safe rescue of the affected students.”
The SUG appealed to students, parents, guardians and members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could create unnecessary fear or interfere with ongoing security operations.
It said some reports circulating on social media did not accurately reflect the information available to the institution and the affected community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the police had launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
Babaseyi said tactical teams and intelligence personnel were deployed to the area immediately after the police received a distress report.
“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident reported at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026,” he said.
“Immediately the distress report was received, the command activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area.”
He said bush-combing operations and other targeted security activities were ongoing to locate and rescue the victims safely.
The police spokesperson added that the exact number of people abducted had not yet been confirmed because verification and investigations were still ongoing.
The difference between the number confirmed by the SUG and the police position means that the final figure may be clarified as investigations continue.
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of students living in private, off-campus accommodation, particularly in isolated areas with limited security presence.
It has also raised calls for stronger collaboration among school authorities, landlords, host communities, security agencies and student representatives to improve safety around student residences.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Police Command had not announced the rescue of the victims or disclosed whether any suspects had been arrested.
Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as rescue operations and investigations continue.
Segun Aina assumes office as JAMB registrar, vows to protect examination integrity
Professor Segun Aina has formally assumed office as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), pledging to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s examination and tertiary admission systems.
Aina assumed office on Friday at JAMB’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure ended on July 31, 2026.
The new JAMB registrar takes over at a time when the board is expected to deepen the use of technology, strengthen examination security and address emerging challenges affecting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and admission processes.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Aina as the substantive JAMB registrar on May 21, 2026. The Presidency described him as a distinguished academic and systems expert with experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure and public-sector institutional reform.
Aina, a professor of computer engineering, became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in the field at the age of 39. His appointment also makes him the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history. (State House)
In his inaugural address, Aina said his administration would protect the credibility of JAMB examinations and sustain public confidence in the board’s operations.
He pledged to build on existing reforms while introducing additional technology-driven measures to improve examination administration, candidate verification and the security of JAMB’s digital systems.
The new registrar also warned individuals involved in examination malpractice to reconsider their actions, stressing that the board would not allow fraudulent practices to undermine the credibility of its examinations.
According to Aina, those involved in examination malpractice should understand that “their business is in the wrong institution.”
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He said JAMB would continue to invest in modern technology and strengthen its systems to detect and prevent malpractice, including impersonation, identity fraud, unauthorised access to examination platforms and other forms of examination-related misconduct.
Aina added that the board would maintain close collaboration with security agencies and other relevant institutions to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups found to be involved in examination fraud.
The new JAMB registrar said the board would remain committed to ensuring that qualified candidates have fair and transparent access to tertiary education opportunities.
He also pledged to improve the efficiency of JAMB’s registration, examination and admission processes while ensuring that the board’s services remain accessible to candidates across the country.
Aina’s appointment marks a new chapter for JAMB following Oloyede’s 10-year tenure, during which the board expanded the use of technology, strengthened its admission processes and introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
The outgoing registrar was appointed in 2016 and served two terms, overseeing major changes in JAMB’s examination and admission systems. (TheCable)
Aina is expected to consolidate on those reforms while addressing new challenges associated with digital examinations, cybersecurity, examination malpractice and the growing demand for efficient tertiary admission services.
His background in computer engineering and digital systems is expected to support JAMB’s efforts to deploy technology more effectively in examination administration and protect the integrity of the UTME.
Education stakeholders will also be watching how the new leadership improves the experience of candidates, strengthens the credibility of examination results and promotes transparency in admissions into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions.
With his assumption of office, Aina has pledged that JAMB will continue to uphold merit, fairness, accountability and public trust while taking stronger steps to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
Alausa Warns States as Many Risk Losing $552m World Bank HOPE Education Fund
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has issued a firm warning to state governments, urging them to urgently meet the conditions required to access the $552 million World Bank-supported HOPE Education Programme, cautioning that several states risk missing out on the performance-based funding despite being eligible beneficiaries. Alausa made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the five-day Executive Retreat for Commissioners of Education organised by the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education (COSCEN), emphasising that unlocking the funds is critical to improving access to quality education, strengthening learning outcomes, and deepening education sector reforms across the country. Describing education as Nigeria’s most strategic investment for economic growth, national security, and sustainable development, Alausa stressed that while the Federal Government provides policy direction and strategic interventions, the responsibility for delivering quality education rests largely with state governments, making stronger federal-state partnership indispensable for achieving sustainable reforms. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed education at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda by providing the political leadership and support required to implement bold reforms capable of transforming the nation’s education sector, but the success of these reforms would depend largely on the commitment and collaboration of state governments.
The Minister identified the transition from assumption-based planning to evidence-driven governance as one of the most significant reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s education sector, announcing the rollout of the National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) and the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS) to support this transition. According to the Minister, the integrated digital platforms will provide real-time information on learner enrolment, teacher deployment, school infrastructure, learning outcomes, and other critical indicators required for effective planning, budgeting, monitoring, and resource allocation. “We must move from planning based on assumptions to planning based on evidence. The quality of our decisions, our budgets and our interventions can only be as good as the data on which they are based,” Alausa was quoted as saying. He explained that the platforms would integrate education data from schools, local governments, states and federal institutions into a single interoperable system, thereby improving transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision-making across the sector. Alausa urged all states to complete their Annual School Census using the digitised platform, commending Kaduna and Borno states for making significant progress in the exercise while encouraging other states to accelerate implementation. He also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education had deployed digital dashboards and smart boards to support evidence-based planning, with the National Bureau of Statistics providing additional analytical support to strengthen education planning nationwide.
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Speaking on the HOPE Education Programme, the Minister disclosed that although all 36 states are eligible to benefit from the $552 million performance-based financing initiative, many have yet to complete critical requirements, including signing Subsidiary Loan Agreements (SLAs) , opening designated programme accounts and fulfilling mandatory data reporting obligations. He urged commissioners of education to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank to satisfy the Programme-for-Results conditions needed to unlock additional resources for improving access to education, learning outcomes, teacher development, and education governance. The Minister further highlighted priorities under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) , stating that the Federal Government is expanding access to affordable digital learning technologies, including offline instructional platforms, comprehensive digital learning resources from Primary One to Senior Secondary School, and teacher-support tools to improve classroom instruction. He warned states against investing in costly smart school projects without sustainable maintenance plans, while also proposing quarterly review meetings for state commissioners to promote peer learning, monitor implementation, and strengthen accountability. Reaffirming that education is a shared national responsibility beyond political affiliations, Alausa called on stakeholders to institutionalise reliable education data, strengthen accountability, invest in human capital, and sustain collaborative reforms capable of delivering measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
In a keynote presentation titled “Beyond the Tenure of Commissioners: Sustaining Education Reforms in the Era of Digital Disruption,” former Aviation Minister and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Mr Osita Chidoka, urged commissioners to build reforms that outlast political administrations, arguing that lasting improvements in education require policy continuity, dependable data, stronger teacher development, accountability and sustained investment in learning outcomes rather than short-term interventions. Chidoka, who has previously described the National Education Data Infrastructure initiative as one of the most consequential national infrastructure projects Nigeria has undertaken in recent years, emphasised that “roads can wait, buildings can wait, airports can wait—education cannot.” He noted that Nigeria’s estimated 15 million out-of-school children represent a national emergency, and that credible, real-time data would help policymakers confront realities that may otherwise remain obscured. Chidoka highlighted two key data points from the National Education Management Information System that stood out during recent stakeholders’ meetings: the sharp decline between primary school enrolment and junior secondary school attendance, raising concerns about what happens to pupils transitioning between Primary Six and JSS One, and the composition of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination candidates, which exposed the severe admission bottleneck in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He admitted that the evidence presented had changed his perspective on some of Alausa’s policy decisions, noting that “the power of credible, real-time data does not merely inform policy; it humbles assumptions.”
Representing the World Bank Country Director, Mr Matthew Verghis, the Senior Economist and Task Team Leader for the HOPE Education Programme, Mr Shin Nomura, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reform agenda through the HOPE Education Programme. Nomura disclosed that the programme became effective in March 2026 and is designed to strengthen education governance, financing, teacher development, learning outcomes and data systems through a performance-based financing model. He encouraged all states to complete the necessary preparatory requirements to enable timely access to the programme’s funding. According to the World Bank, the programme is expected to provide direct education services to about 29 million children and 500,000 teachers across more than 65,000 primary schools in Nigeria, aiming to improve literacy and expand access to education across participating states.
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