The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Turkish Zone, has called on the Federal Government to allow eligible Nigerians studying abroad to benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The students’ body made the request during a meeting with Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
The meeting focused on some of the challenges faced by Nigerian students living and studying outside the country, especially the rising cost of education and the difficulty many students face in meeting their financial obligations.
NANS Wants NELFUND Extended to Students Abroad
NANS said the growing number of Nigerians choosing to study in other countries makes it necessary for the government to review its current education financing policies.
According to the association, Nigerian students studying at accredited institutions abroad should not be excluded from government education support simply because their schools are outside Nigeria.
The Turkish Zone President of NANS, Daniel Okpala, said the association was seeking greater attention to the educational and welfare needs of Nigerians in the diaspora.
He explained that the cost of studying abroad has become more difficult for many Nigerian families due to increases in tuition fees, accommodation costs and other living expenses.
Exchange rate changes have also made it more expensive for Nigerian students whose education and daily expenses are paid in foreign currencies.
NANS therefore wants the existing NELFUND framework reviewed to make it possible for qualified students enrolled in accredited foreign institutions to access government-backed education loans.
Why NANS Is Asking for the Policy Change
NELFUND was created to provide financial support to eligible Nigerians pursuing higher education, vocational training and skills development.
However, the association believes that Nigerian students studying outside the country should also have an opportunity to benefit from the scheme, provided they meet the required conditions.
NANS argued that where a Nigerian student is attending an accredited institution and meets the eligibility requirements, the location of the institution should not automatically prevent the student from receiving education financing.
The association said expanding access could help students who are struggling to pay tuition and other education-related expenses.
It also believes such a move would give more Nigerians the opportunity to complete their studies without being forced to abandon their education because of financial difficulties.
Senator Yaro Responds to the Proposal
Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro expressed willingness to look into the proposal presented by NANS.
He said the request could be examined to determine the appropriate legislative steps that may be required to expand the reach of NELFUND.
The senator also recognised the importance of ensuring that Nigerians living and studying abroad have a voice in discussions about policies that affect them.
NANS said it would continue discussions with lawmakers and relevant government agencies as it pushes for policies that support Nigerian students in the diaspora.
NANS Also Seeks Better Support for Students Abroad
Beyond the NELFUND request, the delegation called for stronger cooperation between Nigerian diplomatic missions and Nigerian student communities in different countries.
The association said Nigerian embassies and other diplomatic missions can play a greater role in understanding the challenges faced by students and helping them connect with relevant government support.
It particularly wants stronger engagement in countries where there are large numbers of Nigerian students.
What This Means for Nigerians Studying Abroad
The proposal does not mean that Nigerians studying abroad can currently apply for NELFUND loans.
Rather, NANS is asking the Senate and the Federal Government to consider a possible change to the existing framework.
Any extension of NELFUND to students in foreign institutions would require the government and relevant lawmakers to determine the eligibility conditions, approved institutions, loan limits and other requirements.
For now, students studying abroad should wait for an official announcement from NELFUND or the Federal Government before assuming that the programme has been extended to them.
Zoeeb will continue to provide updates if there is any official decision on the proposal and other NELFUND developments affecting Nigerian students.
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