Nigerian lawmakers have been urged to amend the framework of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to cover citizens studying at accredited institutions abroad.
The appeal was made by the Turkish Zone of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during a meeting with Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NANS Turkish Zone President Daniel Okpala highlighted the mounting financial strains on overseas students caused by tuition costs, accommodation expenses, and currency fluctuations. He argued that scholars should not forfeit state assistance simply for studying abroad and stressed that “the increasing number of Nigerians pursuing higher education abroad requires corresponding attention from government in its education financing policies.”
He described extending the scheme as “a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities and reducing the financial barriers faced by Nigerian students studying abroad.”
Established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act 2024, NELFUND currently provides funding for tertiary education, vocational training, and skill acquisition within Nigeria.
In response to the delegation, Senator Yaro acknowledged the importance of diaspora representation in legislative matters and expressed a willingness to explore the legal avenues for expanding NELFUND’s scope. The student body also called for enhanced cooperation between Nigerian diplomatic missions and diaspora student communities, committing to ongoing dialogue with federal lawmakers.