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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed N1.08 billion to 5,381 nursing and midwifery students across 21 federal and state-owned institutions in three academic sessions.
The Fund said the intervention covered the 2023/2024, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions, with annual disbursements rising sharply from N59.4 million in the first session to N205.8 million in the second and N811.9 million in the current session.
The figures represent more than a thirteenfold increase in annual funding for nursing and midwifery students between the 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 sessions.
Beneficiaries are drawn from nursing institutions across the country, including Oyo State College of Nursing, Lagos State College of Nursing, Ogun State College of Nursing, Katsina State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Kebbi State College of Nursing, Cross River State Colleges of Nursing and Shehu Sule College of Nursing.
Others are studying at institutions in Bauchi, Anambra, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.
NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the intervention was not merely about providing loans but investing in the country’s healthcare workforce.
“NELFUND is not simply providing financial assistance to students; we are investing in the human capital that Nigeria needs to move forward.
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“Every student we keep in school represents a future professional, a future healthcare worker and a potential contributor to the development of our nation,” Sawyerr said.
He said the increase in funding from N59.4 million to N811.9 million within three academic sessions demonstrated the impact of removing financial barriers for Nigerians seeking professional training.
“We are particularly encouraged that this intervention is reaching thousands of young women pursuing nursing and midwifery.
“By supporting their education, we are opening doors to professional opportunity, economic independence and meaningful participation in Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he added.
Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Mustapha Iyal, said NELFUND would continue to ensure seamless and timely support for eligible students to enable more Nigerians to acquire skills and qualifications needed by the country.
According to the Fund, the majority of the 5,381 beneficiaries are young women, reflecting the high proportion of women in the nursing and midwifery professions.
NELFUND said the disbursements were part of its broader mandate to ensure that lack of funds does not prevent eligible Nigerians from accessing and completing higher education amid growing demand for student financing.
