The federal government has disbursed N32.8 billion to over 169,000 indigent students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with N20 billion allocated for school fees and N12.8 billion for student allowances. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is denied higher education due to financial constraints.
He stated that the programme remains transparent and can accommodate more applicants, as only 169,000 students have been enrolled out of the 500,000 slots available. The minister assured that beneficiaries would continue to receive funding throughout their academic journey, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
No Immediate Plans for Food Price Control
Addressing concerns over rising food prices, Idris ruled out price control for now, stating that the government is prioritizing massive agricultural investment to increase food production. He noted that market forces of supply and demand should regulate prices rather than government intervention.
“The government is promoting a free market economy, allowing private sector investment in agriculture. Once food production increases, prices will naturally drop,” he said, adding that future adjustments could be considered if necessary.
Security: Over 8,000 Terrorists Neutralized in 2024
On security, the minister revealed that more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits were neutralized in 2024, with 11,600 arrests made and over 10,000 weapons recovered. He credited sustained military operations for improving highway safety and weakening insurgent activities across the country. The minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to enhancing education, food security, and national security as part of its broader development agenda.
