NELFUND Raises Nursing Funding Nearly 14-Fold, Supports 5,381 Students

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed more than ₦1.08 billion to 5,381 student nurses and midwives across 21 federal and state institutions.

The intervention has seen funding for nursing and midwifery education rise almost 14-fold in three academic sessions, from ₦59.4 million in 2023/2024 to ₦205.8 million in 2024/2025 and ₦811.9 million in 2025/2026.

NELFUND said the beneficiaries are studying at institutions across the country, including colleges of nursing in Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Katsina, Kebbi, Cross River, Bauchi, Anambra, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the funding was designed to remove financial barriers facing students pursuing professional healthcare training.

“NELFUND is not simply providing financial assistance to students; we are investing in the human capital that Nigeria needs to move forward,” Sawyerr said.

He said the increase in funding showed the impact of expanding financial support for young Nigerians seeking professional qualifications.

Sawyerr added that many of the beneficiaries were young women pursuing nursing and midwifery, saying the intervention would provide them with greater access to professional opportunities and participation in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The Executive Director, Operations, Mustapha Iyal, said NELFUND was working to ensure that eligible students received financial support promptly.

“Our focus remains on ensuring the seamless and timely delivery of support to eligible students, so that more young Nigerians can obtain the skills and qualifications the country needs,” Iyal said.

NELFUND said the intervention forms part of its broader mandate to expand access to higher education by reducing the impact of financial constraints on eligible students.