No South-East institutions responded to students verification request– NELFUND – Newstrends
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No South-East institutions responded to students verification request– NELFUND

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Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr

No South-East institutions responded to students verification request – NELFUND

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has clarified why students from South-East higher institutions have yet to benefit from the student loans being disbursed by the agency.

According to NELFUND, no higher institution in the South-East has responded to its request for student verification, which is a crucial step in the loan disbursement process.

This explanation comes in response to allegations that the South-East was intentionally excluded from the student loan program initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The criticism followed the publication of a list of 19 institutions that have so far received loans.

As of Friday, NELFUND has disbursed a total of N2.9 billion in loans to 27,667 students from 19 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, no institutions from the South-East were included.

Responding to the concerns, NELFUND emphasized: “Geopolitical zones do not influence the disbursement of these loans. We have sent verification requests to all eligible institutions. Disbursements are being made to those that have completed the verification process. Unfortunately, no institution in the South-East has responded to our verification request. We encourage them to do so promptly to enable their students to benefit from this scheme.”

Meanwhile, NELFUND’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has urged Nigerian students to take full advantage of the Student Loan Scheme, describing it as a groundbreaking initiative designed to make higher education accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

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Speaking during a Student Loan Sensitization Program organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Port Harcourt, Mr. Sawyerr emphasized that the loan scheme is more than just financial aid—it is an investment in the future of Nigerian students, giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education without being hindered by financial burdens.

Mr. Sawyerr provided insights into the loan scheme, explaining that it covers both tuition and living expenses, with repayment terms designed to be fair and manageable. He also reassured students that loan repayment would only commence two years after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and only if they have secured employment or started a business.

Addressing concerns about delays in the disbursement process, Mr. Sawyerr acknowledged the challenges but assured students that efforts are being made to streamline the system for greater efficiency.

He encouraged students to be patient and ensure that their loan applications are complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary delays.

The revised Student Loan Act of 2024 was enacted to make higher education more accessible to all Nigerian students, irrespective of their financial background. This legislation aims to remove the financial barriers that often prevent students from continuing their education.

The Act stipulates that NELFUND will receive funding from various sources, including a small percentage of taxes and duties collected by key government agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Customs Service. Additionally, the fund will be bolstered by profits from the government’s natural resource activities, the issuance of education bonds, and contributions from individuals and organizations.

No South-East institutions responded to request students verification – NELFUND

Education

Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

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Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), a Canadian province, is inviting applications for its 2025 Internship Program.

This opportunity allows international students and recent graduates to gain experience working within the provincial government.

The internship program, which is a one-year temporary job assignment, offers participants the chance to build skills and gain professional experience in various PEI government departments.

According to the Prince Edward Island, the program also provides access to workshops, networking events, and other professional development resources to help interns grow in their careers.

The PEI internship program is set to begin in May 2025 and runs for one year. Interns will have the opportunity to work in multiple government departments, participating in workshops and professional development activities. These include career planning, conflict management, emotional intelligence, and training on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as anti-racism in the workplace.

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Additionally, the program provides a platform for;

  • Networking,
  • Helping interns to connect with government professionals and
  • Build valuable relationships within the public service sector.
  • Interns will also receive support to help them understand eligibility for government jobs and navigate potential future opportunities in the public service.

Eligibility and application requirements 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed a;

Post-secondary program within the past 36 months. Additionally,

  • Candidates should be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible for a Canadian work permit.
  • International students who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applications are currently being accepted, and interested candidates must submit their applications through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on March 4th and 5th, 2025. The internship program will begin in May 2025.

How to apply and important dates 

Applicants can apply online through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.

Additional details, including position descriptions and participating departments, are available on the official website of the Government of PEI.

 

Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

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Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG inaugural lecture Wed  

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Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG historic inaugural lecture Wed  

  • History beckons as Mass Comm alumnus delivers inaugural lecture Wed

History will be made this week Wednesday December 18, 2024 at University of Lagos when an alumnus of the university’s Mass Communication Department, Ismail Adegboyega Ibrahim, professor of journalism and communication studies, will deliver inaugural lecture as a lecturer of the department.

Ibraheem, a 1990 graduate of the university, returned to the institution in 2011 as a lecturer.

It is the first time a former student of the department will be delivering an inaugural lecture 58 years after its establishment.

Ibraheem, director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the UNILAG, will speak on “Casino Journalism and the End of History.”

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will chair the event, according to a statement from the institution.

Two former vice-chancellors of the university, Professor Rahamon Bello and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, are expected to grace the lecture along with the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, among others.

The lecture is scheduled for 4pm at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka.

Members of the University Community and general public are invited to join the lecture physically or virtually via Zoom Meeting ID:862 1255 2361.

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Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

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Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

The Republic of Austria is offering an opportunity for international postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers through the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025.

Managed by OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s agency for education, this scholarship aims to support talented individuals in advancing their academic and research careers in Austria.

Details of the scholarship program 

According to OeAD, the Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to students and researchers from various academic disciplines. This includes areas such as;

  • Natural sciences
  • Technical sciences
  • Human medicine
  • Health Sciences
  • Agricultural sciences
  • Social sciences
  • Humanities, and arts.

The scholarship provides funding for semester or one-year grants, with research grants lasting from one to nine months, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Benefits of the Ernst Mach scholarship 

The scholarship offers numerous benefits to successful applicants.

  • Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €1,300 for the duration of their stay in Austria.
  • Accommodation assistance is available, with affordable housing options ranging from €330 to €800 per month.
  • OeAD will also provide administrative support to help applicants find suitable housing.

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Grant holders will receive guidance on obtaining health insurance accepted in Austria, with a cost ranging from €55 to €200 per month. The scholarship also waives tuition fees at public universities, further reducing the financial burden on participants.

A travel subsidy of up to €1,200 is available for applicants from eligible developing countries, with travel invoices required for reimbursement. Moreover, recipients will have the opportunity to build valuable connections with top researchers and institutions in Austria, which can significantly enhance their academic and professional networks.

Eligibility criteria for applicants 

The Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to early-career academics who are passionate about advancing their research. To be eligible, applicants must be;

  • Postgraduate students pursuing a PhD outside Austria or postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers looking to conduct research in Austria.
  • Additionally, postdocs employed at universities outside Austria are also eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born on or after October 1st, 1989) and should not have lived, studied, or worked in Austria for more than six months prior to applying.
  • Proficiency in English or German is required to ensure effective communication during the research process.

How to apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 

To apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025, interested individuals must visit the official OeAD-GmbH website.

The application deadline is February 1st, 2025. Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline.

 

Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

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