Minister Bagudu Hails Tinubu’s NELFUND, Donates ₦5m, 50 Laptops to AFUSTA

Minister Bagudu Hails Tinubu’s NELFUND, Donates ₦5m, 50 Laptops to AFUSTA

Speaking through his representative, Hon. Bashar Buhari, at the NELFUND Appreciation Summit and Magazine Launch held at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, AFUSTA, Bagudu said the intervention is already delivering real results for Nigerian students. "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for the introduction and sustained support of NELFUND. This initiative is a landmark intervention that is expanding access to higher education and reducing financial barriers for Nigerian students," Buhari said on behalf of the Minister.

He noted that the impact of the scheme goes beyond policy documents, pointing to the number of beneficiaries in Kebbi State as evidence. "The significance of NELFUND can be measured not only by government policy but also by its direct impact on students. More than 6,351 students of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology have benefited from the scheme. That figure alone shows the far-reaching impact of the Federal Government’s commitment to student welfare and access to education," he said.

A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of an appreciation letter from the students’ body to President Tinubu. Buhari described the gesture as proof that the loan scheme is working on the ground. "The students’ gesture is particularly significant because it represents a direct acknowledgement by beneficiaries of the practical impact of the Federal Government’s education intervention," he said.

"That appreciation letter demonstrates that NELFUND is not merely a government policy on paper, but an intervention that is providing tangible relief to thousands of Nigerian students and enabling them to pursue their academic ambitions despite financial challenges," he added.

Buhari further commended the President for demonstrating political will to sustain human capital development policies.
"President Tinubu has shown the political will to sustain policies designed to strengthen human capital development. Investment in education remains one of the most important foundations for Nigeria’s economic transformation and long-term development," he said.

As part of efforts to support digital learning, Bagudu donated ₦5 million to support the magazine launch and presented 50 laptop computers to the Computer Science Department of AFUSTA. "The gesture is aimed at supporting students, expanding access to digital learning resources and equipping young Nigerians with relevant technological skills required to compete effectively in an increasingly digital economy," Buhari explained.

He said the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, which prioritises youth empowerment, digital skills and job creation. "This complements the broader objectives of the Federal Government’s economic development agenda, particularly the emphasis on human capital development, youth empowerment, digital skills and the creation of opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development," he said.

The Minister’s representative also lauded the Kebbi State Government for its support to the education sector.
"We express appreciation to the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for his continued support for education and his commitment to the development of the state," he said.

He further acknowledged Senator Bagudu’s personal commitment to Kebbi and Nigeria. "We also acknowledge the contributions of my principal, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, for his leadership, guidance and commitment to the development of Kebbi State and Nigeria at large," he said.

"The donation reflects Senator Bagudu’s commitment to supporting education, youth empowerment and digital inclusion, while contributing to the development of a generation of skilled, innovative and responsible future leaders," Buhari added.

NELFUND provides financial support to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions to cover tuition and upkeep. With over 6,351 students of AFUSTA alone benefiting, officials say the programme is fast becoming one of the most impactful social interventions of the Tinubu administration.
The students’ appreciation letter to President Tinubu, according to Buhari, offered the clearest testimony of the scheme’s value.

"It conveyed the gratitude of the direct beneficiaries and highlighted the real difference the scheme is making in the lives of young Nigerians," he said.