NELFUND Applauds DELSU For Allowing Loan Beneficiaries Write Exams
NELFUND Applauds DELSU’s Student-Friendly Decision
THE Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commended the management of Delta State University, Abraka for adopting a student-friendly approach in implementing the Federal Government’s student loan programme.
In a statement issued in Abuja on 9 March 2026, the agency praised the university for allowing students whose loan applications have been marked “Verified” or “Disbursed” on the NELFUND portal to participate in the ongoing first semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The decision, according to NELFUND, reflects a strong commitment by the university to ensure that students benefiting from the loan scheme are not disadvantaged academically while awaiting the completion of administrative processes.
Directive from the University’s Academic Leadership
The policy followed an internal memorandum issued by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the university, Hilary Ijeoma Owamah.
The memo, dated 6 March 2026, was addressed to Deans of Faculties and directed them to allow students who could provide proof that their loan status on the NELFUND platform had been verified or funds disbursed to sit for their examinations.
The university explained that the decision was taken to promote fairness and prevent students from losing academic opportunities due to financial delays associated with the loan processing system.
According to the memo, students whose NELFUND application status indicates “Verified” or “Disbursed” have already fulfilled the essential conditions required under the scheme.
NELFUND CEO Commends Institutional Collaboration
Reacting to the development, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, described the move as a model example of collaboration between tertiary institutions and the federal government in supporting students.
Sawyer noted that the university’s decision aligns with the core objective of the loan programme, which is to remove financial barriers to higher education for Nigerian students.
“We warmly welcome this student-centred approach by Delta State University,” he said. “It demonstrates 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 challenges.”
He added that DELSU’s action shows how universities can take proactive steps to ensure that students who have completed the loan application process continue their academic activities without disruption.
Call for Other Institutions to Follow Suit
NELFUND urged other tertiary institutions—including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education—to adopt similar supportive policies.
According to the agency, such cooperation would help guarantee the smooth implementation of the loan scheme across the country and prevent students from facing unnecessary academic setbacks.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with higher institutions nationwide to ensure that the loan programme operates efficiently and benefits eligible students.
Part of Broader Higher Education Reform
The NELFUND initiative forms part of the higher education financing reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The programme aims to expand access to tertiary education by providing financial support to students who may struggle to meet tuition and other academic expenses.
Officials say the scheme is expected to reduce financial pressure on families while enabling more young Nigerians to pursue higher education and contribute to national development.
