By Ibrahim Maryam Queen

For many Nigerian students, securing admission into a tertiary institution is only the beginning of another struggle—finding the money to stay in school. Rising tuition fees, accommodation costs and the increasing cost of living have made higher education difficult to afford for many families. In response to these challenges, the Federal Government introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a scheme intended to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent qualified students from completing their education.
The response has been remarkable. According to official NELFUND reports, more than one million students have applied for the loan, while hundreds of tertiary institutions have been onboarded onto the platform. These figures reflect not only the popularity of the programme but also the growing financial pressure faced by students across the country.
For one University of Abuja student, who requested anonymity, the loan meant the difference between remaining in school and dropping out.

“My father lost his job and my family could no longer afford my fees. I had already missed lectures, and I feared my education would end. The loan gave me another chance,” she said.

Her story illustrates the reality faced by many students. With household incomes under pressure and youth unemployment still a concern, financing higher education has become increasingly difficult. For many families, student loans provide immediate relief from a burden that might otherwise end a student’s academic journey.

However, the growing number of applications also raises important questions. If demand continues to increase, can the programme remain financially sustainable? While the scheme has attracted widespread interest, Nigeria has millions of students enrolled in tertiary institutions, suggesting that many eligible students may still not have access because of limited awareness, documentation challenges or difficulties with the application process.

Another concern is repayment. Although the loans are designed to ease financial barriers to education, their long-term success depends on graduates’ ability to secure stable employment. Where unemployment or underemployment persists, repayment may become difficult, potentially affecting the sustainability of the scheme. This suggests that student loans cannot be viewed in isolation from broader economic realities.

Experiences from other countries provide useful lessons. A 2017 study by Nicholas Barr, Bruce Chapman, Lorraine Dearden and Susan Dynarski of the Centre for Global Higher Education, University of Oxford, found that poorly designed repayment systems can place heavy financial burdens on graduates. Examining the United States student loan system, the researchers observed that decades of accumulated debt and repayment challenges underscored the importance of creating fair and sustainable loan policies. While Nigeria’s scheme differs from the American model, the study highlights the need for careful implementation and continuous review.

Transparency and public confidence will also determine whether the programme succeeds. Regular publication of data on applications, disbursements, beneficiaries and repayment performance will help strengthen accountability. At the same time, expanding awareness campaigns, particularly in underserved communities, could ensure that eligible students are not excluded simply because they lack information about the scheme.

NELFUND has already provided hope to many students who might otherwise have abandoned their education. Yet its long-term impact will depend not only on the number of loans disbursed but also on sound management, transparent administration and an economy capable of creating opportunities for graduates. Without these, even the most ambitious education financing programme may struggle to achieve its objectives.

Student loans are more than financial assistance; they are an investment in human capital and national development. Whether NELFUND ultimately becomes a lasting lifeline for Nigerian students or a test of sustainable higher education financing will depend on the choices made today by policymakers, institutions and all stakeholders responsible for its implementation.

Sources
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Official Reports.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Labour Force Survey.
Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.
Barr, N., Chapman, B., Dearden, L., & Dynarski, S. (2017). Student Loan Design. Centre for Global Higher Education, University of Oxford.
Vanguard Newspaper.
Punch Newspaper.
Interview with an anonymous University of Abuja student (June 2026).

Ibrahim maryam queen
200level student of the department of Development and strategic communication university of Abuja.

By Saidu Lawal Burji

I wish to commend Your Excellency for the timely establishment of the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano State. This initiative demonstrates your administration’s commitment to protecting the health, security, and future of the citizens of Kano State, particularly the youth who are disproportionately affected by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The composition of the Task Force reflects a commendable multi-sectoral approach involving security agencies, health institutions, traditional and religious stakeholders, and civil society representatives. However, considering the critical role of pharmaceutical regulation in combating drug abuse and illicit drug circulation, I respectfully wish to advocate for the inclusion of representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) as members of the Task Force.

The inclusion of these two statutory regulatory agencies would significantly strengthen the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Task Force for the following reasons:

Expertise in Drug Regulation and Control

NAFDAC is the foremost federal agency charged with regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use of medicines and other regulated products in Nigeria. The agency possesses extensive intelligence, technical expertise, and enforcement experience relating to counterfeit, substandard, unregistered, and controlled substances that often fuel drug abuse.

Regulation of Pharmaceutical Premises and Medicine Distribution Channels

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical premises, patent and proprietary medicine vendors, and medicine distribution systems. PCN’s knowledge of legitimate medicine supply chains and pharmaceutical establishments would be invaluable in identifying sources of diversion, illegal medicine sales, and unauthorized drug outlets.

Support for Intelligence Gathering and Enforcement Operations

Both agencies maintain valuable databases and field intelligence relating to pharmaceutical products, distribution networks, and regulatory violations. Their participation would enhance the Task Force’s ability to identify illicit drug distribution points and support evidence-based enforcement actions.

Strengthening Investigations and Prosecution

Effective prosecution of drug-related offences requires technical evidence concerning drug authenticity, regulatory status, licensing requirements, and pharmaceutical standards. NAFDAC and PCN can provide expert witnesses, forensic support, and regulatory documentation necessary for successful prosecution of offenders.

Public Education and Demand Reduction

Both agencies have extensive experience in public enlightenment campaigns on rational medicine use, dangers of substance abuse, and safe medicine practices. Their participation would strengthen the advocacy and preventive components of the Task Force’s mandate.

Promotion of a Comprehensive Public Health Approach

Drug abuse is not only a security challenge but also a significant public health issue. The inclusion of NAFDAC and PCN would ensure that regulatory, preventive, and public health perspectives are adequately integrated into the Task Force’s activities.

Your Excellency, the inclusion of these agencies will complement the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security institutions while ensuring a more comprehensive and sustainable response to the challenge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.

I therefore respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to consider expanding the membership of the Special Task Force to include one representative each from NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

I am confident that such inclusion will further strengthen the capacity of the Task Force to achieve its noble objectives and contribute meaningfully to the realization of a healthier, safer, and drug-free Kano State.

Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and regards.

Yours faithfully,

Saidu Lawal Burji Bpharm, MHE, Msc GHaP(in view)
Chief Pharmacist
Pharmacy Council of Nigeria
Kano State Office
burji1120@gmail.com

By Abba Anwar

Praised by the activities of the former Executive Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimingado, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed him to lead a high powered Anti-Drug Task Force to dismantle drugs network in the state. Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

From the nature of the appointment and how it was announced, it is evidently clear that the governor is extremely worried about the position of the state in the drug abuse rating.

As Kano tops the list in North West and second to Lagos across the nation. In the zone Kano is rated at 16.0% prevalence with 1,070,000 users. While Zamfara state is rated 13.5%, with 312,000 users. Kebbi state 12.6%, with 286,000 users. As Katsina state has 12.0%, with 481,000 users. For Kaduna state it is 10.0%, with 462,000 users. As Sokoto state records 9.0%, with 230,000 users. And Jigawa state is rated 7.0%, with 211,000 users.

The Kano’s 16% prevalence, with 1,070,000 users is dated back to 2018 when the Executive Chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Gen Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd), quoted from the 2018 UNODC National Drug Use Survey.

Governor Yusuf is disturbed with the result of Operation Sharar Mafaka, by NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, where 52 suspects were captured in 2 days, April 2026. Also also from 2020-202, 8,983.5kg were seized, 286 arrested and 78 convicted. As verified by NDLEA Kano Commander Isah Likita Muhammed, as reported by Voice of Nigeria. It is equally disturbing to know that in 2025 Kano made 1,389 arrests with 7,773.06kg that were seized and 94 rehabilitated.

Governor Yusuf knows clearly the
key trends and what data reveals. For example South-West and North-West are hotspots when it comes to drug abuse, business and distribution network. Lagos with 33%, Oyo with 24% and Kano with 16%. As highest state rates on record, the South-West overall is at 22.4%.

Worried by these disturbing scenarios, Kano Governor vows to fight the syndicate, network, usage and other related criminalities attached to drug abuse.

Not only the political will, he shops for a very strongly minded, virile, no-nonsense, committed to the core and fearless citizen to crush the network and other related activities. Hence the appointment of Barrister Rimingado, a known and a fearless anti-graft Czar.

The name of Rimingado alone sends shivers to many shameless people who benefit from the network of drug abuse and marketing. Yes, the Governor did his best in the past, it is more glaring now that people believe he is all out to crush the menace.

Barrister Rimingado’s uncompromising posture and his patriotic commitment to serve his people in cleansing the system, make his appointment to be seen as one of the best appointments in the life of this administration in Kano.

It is without any doubt to believe that, the newly appointed Chairman of the Task Force, has toiled hard to build his reputation. The way I know and understand him, I’m rest assured that he will not dent the image and reputation. He will definitely work hard to further consolidate his hard earned reputation. No two ways about it.

In a press release issued by the Governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa recently, it is clear that, the Task Force is an all-encompassing effort aimed at fiercely fighting drug abuse and businesses. Part of the release says, “The state government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.”

The Task Force’s terms of reference gives a good picture of what will be the talk of the town, as soon as they start implementation. I find this part interesting, as part of the terms of reference, that, “Under its terms of reference, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, establish secure communication channels for intelligence operations, and encourage community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.”

When I read, from the release that, “… the task force will develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary for the establishment of fast-track courts to handle drug-related cases,” I laughed in joy and said, Barrister Tsayayye is bouncing back again!

Without any fear of mincing words, I can assure all that, when Rimingado strikes positive outcomes will be the product. It is not an overstatement when I say, as we are inching towards 2027 general election, the visibility and enhanced capacity of this Task Force will, for sure, add good substance to the struggle for votes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano. The issue of drug abuse and business, has for long been a clog in Kano’s wheel.

Truly, Governor Yusuf’s political will in appointing Barrister Muhiyi Rimingado is a landmark of this administration. Should this fight succeed, In Sha Allah, the APC will keep its place as the darling of Kano people — beyond party lines.

Rimingado alone cannot make it to the promised edge. Hence good team is a prerequisite for good result and stronger effort. The Governor therefore makes an interesting and good choice in the membership of the Task Force. When they work hand in hand, in synergy, with Barrister Rimingado, history will always remember them.

Your Excellency Sir, Pharm Ahmad Gana, a renowned fighter against drug abuse in Kano and the North, can make a good member of this all-important Task Force. He headed similar Task Force in the past. His records are there. I’m pretty sure Barrister Rimingado will enjoy working with him. As a member of the Task Force or as an Adviser. He is an asset when it comes to fight against drug abuse.

I enjoy this part of the terms of reference, which says, “The committee is also mandated to identify major drug distribution points across the state, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.”

I rest my case.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 27th June, 2026