ADC Presidential Candidate Promises Changes To Student Loan Scheme
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has promised to review the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme and introduce debt forgiveness for qualifying Nigerian students if elected president in 2027.
Atiku’s latest education proposal forms part of his campaign agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Targets Student Loan Burden
According to reports on the proposal, Atiku said his administration would examine the existing NELFUND framework and determine how qualifying beneficiaries could receive debt forgiveness.
The promise comes as the federal student-loan scheme continues to attract attention over access to higher education and the financial burden facing Nigerian students.
Policy Would Require Implementation Details
While Atiku has announced the proposed debt forgiveness, details such as the categories of students who would qualify, the size of the proposed relief and how the policy would be funded would need to be established.
NELFUND was established to provide financing support to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with beneficiaries expected to repay loans under the applicable framework.
What We Know
- Atiku has promised to review NELFUND if elected president.
- He has proposed debt forgiveness for qualifying Nigerian students.
- The proposal is part of his 2027 campaign agenda.
What Remains Unclear
- The exact criteria for qualifying for debt forgiveness.
- How much student debt would be forgiven.
- How the proposed policy would be financed.