News
NELFUND releases N161.97bn student loans to more than 864,000 students
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed a total of N161.97 billion in student loans, benefiting 864,798 students across the country since the scheme’s launch in May 2024.
This milestone was announced by NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The initiative, a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education and ensure no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary institutions due to lack of funds.
According to Sawyerr, NELFUND has received 1,361,011 loan applications to date. Of the total disbursed amount:
– N89.94 billion was paid directly to 263 tertiary institutions to cover tuition and other institutional charges.
– N72.03 billion was released directly to students as upkeep allowances to support their living expenses during studies.
The scheme provides interest-free loans to eligible students in public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational institutions. Sawyerr emphasized that the growing numbers demonstrate the program’s tangible impact, gradually dismantling financial obstacles and creating new opportunities for young Nigerians.
The agency has conducted widespread sensitization campaigns across tertiary institutions over the past year to boost awareness and participation.
NELFUND is also pursuing partnerships with philanthropists, corporate organizations, and government bodies, including a N20 billion collaboration with the Ministry of Education focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic session began in November 2025, with more than 200 institutions submitting updated data. So far, around 280,000 applications have been received for the new session, and loans have already been disbursed to over 150,000 students.
Sawyerr urged financially challenged students to apply, describing the scheme as a vital lifeline for completing their education. He reiterated NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and expanding access to quality higher education nationwide.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
News
NLC disrupts Air Peace flight
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday disrupted flight operations in Lagos, leaving passengers scheduled to travel on an Air Peace flight stranded at the airport.
Our Reporter learned that the “protest was intended to enforce Air Peace employees right to join the union.”
Zulu terminal gate was under lock and key. The protest started at about 5am.
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
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