DELSU’s student-friendly implementation of loan scheme excites NELFUND
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commended the management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, for adopting a student-friendly approach in implementing the Federal Government’s student loan programme.
The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Strategic Communications at the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, which highlighted the university’s directive allowing students whose loan applications under the NELFUND scheme have been verified or disbursed to participate in the first-semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The directive, contained in an internal memorandum from the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), permits affected students to sit for their examinations upon presenting evidence showing that their status on the NELFUND platform is either “Verified” or “Disbursed.”
Reacting to the development, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, described the university’s decision as a commendable demonstration of institutional cooperation aimed at supporting Nigerian students.
Sawyerr said the gesture reflects a proper understanding of the objectives behind the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, which seeks to remove financial barriers that prevent many young Nigerians from accessing higher education.
“We warmly welcome this student-centred approach by Delta State University. It reflects a clear understanding of the purpose of the NELFUND scheme, which is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to education because of financial constraints,” he said.
He further said the decision by the institution to allow students with verified or disbursed loan status to sit for examinations shows a practical commitment to protecting students’ academic progress while the loan process is being finalised.
“At NELFUND, we are very pleased to see institutions taking practical, youth-friendly steps that allow students who have successfully completed the application process to continue their academic activities without disruption,” Sawyerr added.
He further noted that such supportive measures by tertiary institutions help to reinforce the broader goals of the NELFUND programme, which include expanding access to higher education, promoting equity and ensuring inclusiveness across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Sawyerr, therefore, encouraged other universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country to adopt similar policies that prioritise students’ welfare and academic continuity while awaiting the completion of loan disbursement processes.
He also reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to working closely with tertiary institutions nationwide to ensure the effective implementation of the student loan programme and safeguard the educational aspirations of Nigerian students.