The Nigerian Education Loan Fund on Monday commended the management of Delta State University, Abraka, for what it described as a student-friendly approach in implementing the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.
The commendation follows a directive issued by the university on March 6, 2026, allowing students whose status under the NELFUND loan scheme has been verified or whose funds have been disbursed to participate in the first semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The directive was conveyed in an internal memorandum by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Ijeoma.
It permits students whose status on the NELFUND platform shows “verified” or “disbursed” to sit for their examinations upon presenting evidence of their status on the loan platform.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, described the move as a positive example of collaboration between tertiary institutions and the loan fund in support of students.
According to a statement on Monday by the Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Sawyerr said, “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.
“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 noted that the decision by the university aligns with the broader objective of the NELFUND programme, which is designed to expand access to higher education while promoting fairness and inclusivity across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He also encouraged other universities and higher institutions to adopt similar supportive measures that prioritise students’ academic progress while the loan process continues to provide financial support for tuition and upkeep.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country to ensure the effective implementation of the student loan programme and protect the educational aspirations of Nigerian students.
