By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Anthony Siyako Yaro, has expressed willingness to examine a proposal seeking the extension of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to eligible Nigerians studying in accredited institutions abroad.
Yaro made this known while responding to an appeal by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Turkish Zone, during an engagement held on Tuesday, 11 August, 2026, where the association raised concerns over the welfare and educational financing challenges confronting Nigerian students in the diaspora.
He disclosed that he would explore the appropriate legislative process for broadening NELFUND’s reach, while acknowledging the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to be adequately represented in national policy discussions.
Presenting the students’ case, NANS President, Turkish Zone, Daniel Okpala, explained that the increasing number of Nigerians pursuing higher education abroad requires corresponding attention from government in its education financing policies, calling for a review of the existing NELFUND framework to enable qualified students in accredited foreign institutions benefit from government-backed loans.
He disclosed that students studying abroad were facing rising financial pressures due to tuition, accommodation costs and exchange rate fluctuations, arguing that students should not lose access to government educational support solely because they chose to study outside Nigeria.
NANS recalled that NELFUND was established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, and urged the Senate to consider a legislative framework extending the scheme to qualified Nigerians studying abroad, describing the move as significant for expanding educational opportunities and reducing financial barriers.
The delegation further called for stronger engagement between Nigerian diplomatic missions and student communities in countries with large Nigerian populations, and pledged to continue engaging lawmakers and relevant government institutions on policies affecting Nigerian students in the diaspora.
