Tinubu: I drove taxi in US to fund education—now NELFUND gives ₦372bn to Nigerian students

President Bola Tinubu revealed he once drove a taxi in Chicago to pay for his university education, using the personal story to frame his administration's student loan programme. Speaking November 4, Tinubu said he postponed school for months to save tuition money, taking multiple jobs to cover fees, accommodation, and living costs. "Those experiences have remained with me and I understand the pressure of managing education costs while studying," he said.

The President cited this background as a core reason education remains a priority. His administration's NELFUND programme has now disbursed over ₦372 billion in loans for institutional fees and upkeep, targeting students who might otherwise drop out for financial reasons. Tinubu emphasized Nigerian children should access quality education "regardless of where they are born or their parents' financial situation."

The scheme covers both tuition and maintenance allowances—a significant expansion from previous loan attempts that only addressed fees. Students apply through their institutions, with repayment structured to begin after graduation and employment.

With tertiary education costs rising and many families stretched, NELFUND represents the most substantial federal intervention in student financing in decades. The question isn't whether the programme exists—it's whether students who need it most can navigate the application process and actually access the funds.

If you're a student or parent weighing tertiary education costs, have you checked what NELFUND covers for your institution and programme?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/04/i-was-once-a-taxi-driver-in-america-tinubu/