National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Deborah Odekola |
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has praised the Federal Government for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He expressed his appreciation during an interactive session between NELFUND officials and UI students held at Trenchard Hall.
In his remarks, Professor Adebowale commended the government’s initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on students pursuing higher education.
He noted that the session was organised to enlighten students about the loan scheme, as many may be reluctant to apply due to limited information.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the ongoing funding challenges in federal institutions and described the loan program as a positive step toward supporting students.
He urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity and to use the funds wisely.
Additionally, he advised students to exercise caution while filling out online forms to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, expressed gratitude to NELFUND staff for educating the students about the scheme. She emphasised that NELFUND offers a crucial lifeline for students struggling with school fees.
Mr. Aliyu Aliyu Mohammed, the Director of Process and Compliance at NELFUND, highlighted that the fund was established as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promises.
He encouraged students to explore the scheme and take advantage of the financial support.
The Head of ICT at NELFUND, Mr. Olawale Ogunleye, assured the students of the scheme’s authenticity and encouraged them to apply.
He noted that the application portal, which opened on May 24, 2024, is still available for all Nigerian students. He explained that the loan is a revolving fund, with repayments commencing two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Mr. Ogunleye further explained the application process and emphasised that the scheme is designed to enhance literacy levels in Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, announced plans to launch a “UI Student NELFUND” page for inquiries and also create a dedicated wallet system to help students manage the loan effectively.
The hybrid session provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and engage directly with NELFUND representatives.
