By Peter Omopo
The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, has endorsed the Federal Government’s move to potentially extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students in private tertiary institutions.
This follows a recent announcement by NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, during a strategic engagement and sensitisation session with institutional leaders in Enugu. Sawyerr hinted that the loan scheme, currently restricted to students in public institutions, could be expanded to include private university students within the next three years.
Prof. Adebayo, responding to the development, hailed the proposal as a progressive step toward ensuring educational equity and closing the gap between public and private institutions in terms of government support.
“Education is a fundamental right, and students—regardless of whether they attend public or private universities—deserve equal access to opportunities,” he said. “This initiative will promote fairness, ease the pressure on public universities, and help students in private institutions who face financial constraints.”
He further debunked the widespread belief that students in private universities are predominantly from wealthy backgrounds, noting that many come from low- and middle-income families who struggle to afford tuition.
“The student loan programme is a commendable initiative, and its extension to private institutions will go a long way in broadening access to higher education for all Nigerians,” Adebayo added.
