Tonukari Leads Statewide Crackdown to Enforce NELFUND in Delta Institutions
Statewide Compliance Drive Begins
In a decisive move to ensure that eligible students are not shut out of federal education support, Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has intensified monitoring of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) across state-owned tertiary institutions.
On 24 February 2026, the Commissioner led a high-level team to the College of Education, Warri, as part of a statewide compliance exercise directed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The visit formed part of a broader strategy to guarantee strict implementation of the loan scheme and eliminate administrative bottlenecks that could hinder students’ access to funds.
Governor Oborevwori had earlier directed institutions to adhere strictly to the NELFUND framework, emphasizing that no eligible Delta student should be denied the financial relief designed to ease tuition and other academic expenses.
On-the-Spot Assessment
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and senior directors from the Ministry of Higher Education, Prof. Tonukari engaged the management of the College of Education, Warri, reviewing operational procedures and documentation related to the scheme.
The monitoring team examined how student applications were processed, how information about the scheme was disseminated, and whether institutional guidelines aligned with federal provisions.
Tonukari reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on lapses that could undermine transparency or restrict access. According to him, the state government remains committed to accountability, equity, and the protection of students’ rights.
“This is not a routine inspection,” the Commissioner stated. “It is a deliberate intervention to ensure that every qualified Delta student benefits fully from the opportunities created under NELFUND.”
Extending Oversight Across Institutions
The Warri inspection follows earlier monitoring visits to key institutions across the state, including Delta State University (DELSU), University of Delta (UNIDEL), Delta State Polytechnic, and Dennis Osadebay University.
Across these institutions, the monitoring team assessed compliance levels, reviewed student participation data, and identified areas requiring improvement.
Prof. Tonukari expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, noting that the initiative has already begun to positively impact students who previously struggled with tuition payments.
Ongoing Inspection Tour
The Commissioner disclosed that the exercise remains ongoing, with scheduled visits to Delta State Polytechnic and College of Education.
He assured that the Ministry will maintain a hands-on approach until full compliance is achieved across all state-owned higher institutions.
The monitoring exercise, he said, underscores the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic ambition.
