NGA Nigerian higher education policy think tank, The iRead To Live Initiative, has issued a policy brief warning that the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed N355.87 billion in student loans since May 2024, faces significant risks in recovering these funds. The report highlights that the current repayment system relies heavily on employer-based deductions, which is ineffective in a country with a large informal sector. The think tank recommends integrating NELFUND with Nigeria Revenue Service income data to improve recovery rates, particularly for self-employed graduates. They argue that without such reforms, the student loan program could suffer the same fate as previous failed attempts at student financing. While the scheme is still in its early stages, the report notes that the true test will come when repayment periods begin.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced analysis of the challenges facing NELFUND, focusing on structural issues within the repayment system without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It cites recommendations from a think tank without taking a partisan stance, and emphasizes the need for
