THE IMPACT OF NELFUND INTERVENTION ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF YULI CAMPUS, SA'ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI STATE
Abstract
The increasing cost of higher education in Nigeria has necessitated the establishment of funding mechanisms to help students access tertiary education. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced to provide financial support to students in public universities, thereby reducing dropout rates and improving academic performance. This study examined the evolution and impact of NELFUND interventions at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, between 2015 and 2024. The studyemployed a structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents, comprising students and staff involved in NELFUND activities. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The study was guided by the Human Capital Theory (Becker, 1964), which posits that investment in education enhances productivity, and the Public Goods Theory (Samuelson, 1954), which supports public funding of education for societal benefit. Findings revealed that NELFUND interventions have significantly expanded over time, improving access to tuition, learning materials, and accommodation support. The program has had a positive impact on students’ academic performance and reduced financially induced dropouts. However, challenges such as delayed disbursement, bureaucratic bottlenecks, limited awareness, and repayment concerns have hindered the program’s full effectiveness. The study concludes that NELFUND is a critical instrument for improving higher education accessibility in Nigeria but requires administrative reforms to enhance efficiency and sustainability. It recommends improved awareness campaigns, streamlined disbursement processes, flexible repayment options, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure transparency and effectiveness. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on education financing in Nigeria by providing an institution-specific evaluation of NELFUND interventions.
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