NANS urges Senate to extend NELFUND loans to Nigerians studying abroad

NELFUND was established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, to provide financial assistance to eligible Nigerians pursuing higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition.

Against this background, NANS urged lawmakers to consider a legal framework that would permit qualified Nigerian students enrolled in accredited foreign institutions to benefit from the scheme.

The association described the proposed expansion as an opportunity to make government education financing more inclusive and respond to the changing realities of Nigerian students pursuing academic programmes outside the country.

Responding to the request, Yaro expressed readiness to consider the proposal and examine the legislative steps that could be taken to expand the reach of NELFUND.

The senator also acknowledged the importance of ensuring that Nigerians living abroad, including students, have adequate representation in national policy discussions and legislative processes.

Beyond education financing, the NANS delegation called for closer cooperation between Nigerian diplomatic missions and student associations in countries with significant Nigerian student populations.

The association said stronger engagement would help diplomatic missions better understand the challenges confronting Nigerian students and provide appropriate support when necessary.

NANS pledged to sustain discussions with members of the National Assembly and relevant government agencies on policies affecting the academic welfare, financial needs and general wellbeing of Nigerian students studying outside Nigeria.