@article{CRSIJ26000343,
                  author = {Obukeni Clifford Orona},
                  title = {Student loan policy and access to tertiary education in Niger state: implementation challenges},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {2},
                  pages = {19-32},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000343.pdf},
                  abstract = {This study examined student loan policy implementation and its implications for access to tertiary education in Niger State, Nigeria. The study specifically assessed students’ awareness of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), examined the extent to which the policy had widened access to tertiary education, identified challenges affecting its implementation, and proposed measures for improving the policy. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised students enrolled in selected NELFUND-eligible public tertiary institutions in Niger State, from which a sample was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory, which explains education as an investment that enhances individuals’ capabilities and contributes to socioeconomic development. Findings revealed that students had a relatively high level of awareness of NELFUND and perceived the scheme as contributing to improved access to tertiary education, particularly by reducing financial barriers. However, delays in loan processing and disbursement, technical difficulties, inadequate information, documentation requirements and limited institutional guidance constrained effective implementation. The study recommended prompt loan disbursement, improved institutional sensitisation, simplified application procedures, a more reliable application portal, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of NELFUND in Niger State.},
                  keywords = {Student Loan Policy, Tertiary Education, Access, Implementation, Niger State, NELFUND},
                  month = {September}
        }