A PM News editorial urges the Nigerian government to safeguard the student loan scheme from failure, as NELFUND has disbursed N355.87 billion since opening its loan portal in May 2024. According to the report, the funds have covered institutional fees and students' upkeep, with more than 1.65 million applications processed by early September. The editorial frames the scheme's scale as a reason for stronger oversight to ensure its sustainability.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has supported the University of Benin's (UNIBEN) N100 billion Trust Development Fund, calling it a sustainable financing model that aligns with the federal government's education reform agenda. He encouraged other universities to implement similar funding initiatives during the fund's inauguration in Benin.

A proposed tertiary education funding bill in Kenya could replace university scholarships with student loans, according to Bernard Mokamba, who has warned against the change. Mokamba cautions that shifting from scholarships to loans would saddle vulnerable students with heavy debt, raising concerns about their ability to repay. The warning highlights fears that the new funding model could limit access to higher education for learners from low-income backgrounds who currently depend on scholarship support.

A South African study highlights the importance of postgraduate education for national development, emphasizing that advanced degrees enhance research productivity and innovation, which are crucial for a country's competitiveness. While the government has established the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to support undergraduate education, similar financial assistance for postgraduate programmes is lacking, making such education a luxury for many students, according to The Conversation Africa.

A policy brief has warned that N355.9 billion in student loans issued by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) faces significant recovery risk. According to the brief, integrating loan repayment systems with Nigeria Revenue Service income data is crucial to ensuring the scheme's long-term sustainability and improving the tracking of beneficiaries' earnings for repayment purposes.

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has eased the financial burden on poor students, according to Punch. He stated that the initiative has provided crucial financial relief and removed barriers preventing disadvantaged Nigerians from accessing higher education. The remarks highlight the government's position that the student loan scheme is delivering on its goal of expanding educational opportunities for low-income students across the country.