Education
No South-East institutions responded to students verification request– NELFUND
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
Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students
Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has released a new list of students eligible to apply for the 2024/2025 NELFUND refund, according to the UNILORIN Students’ Union (SU). Students who paid school fees before NELFUND disbursed funds directly to the university are now required to check their names and submit refund requests through the proper channels.
The official refund eligibility list has been shared in an Excel spreadsheet format and contains verified student details, including full name, matriculation number, department, and eligibility status. Students can search the file using their name or matric number to confirm their eligibility.
Those whose names appear on the list are instructed to fill the official refund form and submit supporting documents, including fee receipts and bank account details, to the Student Affairs Unit (SAU) or their respective Dean’s Office. The refund disbursement is gradual and ongoing, depending on NELFUND fund release schedules.
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For students whose names are not on the current list, they are advised to check their NELFUND portal status at portal.nelf.gov.ng and ensure all records are correctly verified. UNILORIN and the Students’ Union have also clarified that this is not the final list, as additional batches of eligible students may be added as verification continues.
Students are urged to act promptly, as following the prescribed procedures will ensure timely refund of fees paid in advance.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Students can confirm their eligibility by viewing the official list published by the university. To streamline verification, a table of students in the Department of Accounting and select departments is presented below.
| S/N | Matric Number | Student Name | Programme | Level | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20/66MA093 | Johnson Babatunde Ogunwunmiju | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 2 | 21/66MA002 | Zainab Oreoluwa Abdulrahmon | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 3 | 21/66MA021 | Shukurat Oluwapelumi Adetunji | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 4 | 21/66MA038 | Josephine Oluwateniola Akoki | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 5 | 21/66MA049 | Vivian Member Aun | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 6 | 21/66MA054 | Yusuf Olamilekan Babatunde | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 7 | 21/66MA065 | Precious John Elijah | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 8 | 21/66MA083 | Mariam Omowunmi Issa | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 9 | 21/66MA088 | Toyosi Kolade | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
| 10 | 21/66MA091 | Ayanfe Olaoluwa Makanjuola | B.Sc. Accounting | 400 | Accounting |
Note: The above table shows a partial list for illustration. The full list includes hundreds of students across various faculties and levels.
UNILORIN NELFUND Refund List 2025/2026
Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students
Education
NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims
NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has strongly refuted recent claims that officials of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), including the vice‑chancellor and senior administrators, diverted or misappropriated student loan funds intended for indigent students.
In a detailed statement, NELFUND clarified that no verified evidence exists to support allegations that UniAbuja unlawfully withheld or diverted loan disbursements. The Fund said the speculation circulating in some media reports — which implicated the university’s vice‑chancellor, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, and other officials in the alleged diversion of multibillion‑naira funds — is unfounded and misleading.
The reports also suggested that UniAbuja failed to reimburse residual balances to students whose actual tuition fees were lower than the amounts disbursed by NELFUND on their behalf. In response, NELFUND maintained that its structured disbursement and reconciliation framework ensures that funds released for student loans are properly applied in line with its statutory mandate.
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Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, emphasised that the Fund’s operations are governed by formal verification, compliance, and reconciliation protocols. According to her, loan funds are released through established institutional channels, and strict accountability mechanisms are in place to safeguard both student and institutional interests.
The Fund acknowledged that discrepancies or timing issues sometimes arise in the process of crediting student or institutional accounts, but said these are typically resolved through direct engagement with the relevant institutions, in accordance with due administrative processes.
“Where concerns arise regarding timelines of crediting student accounts or institutional reconciliation processes, NELFUND engages directly with the relevant institution to clarify and resolve such matters administratively and in accordance with due process,” the statement read.
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and rigorous audit procedures, which include reliance on verified documentation and formal reconciliation mechanisms when addressing any issue related to its student loan disbursements.
The Fund also reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the interests of eligible Nigerian students and ensuring that all disbursements are applied lawfully and effectively to support access to tertiary education.
NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims
Education
Supreme Court Affirms Muslim Students’ Right to Worship at Rivers State University
Supreme Court Affirms Muslim Students’ Right to Worship at Rivers State University
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of Muslim students at Rivers State University (RSU), affirming their constitutional right to practice Islam and perform religious activities on campus. The landmark judgment, delivered on February 10, 2026, closes a legal battle that has lasted for over a decade.
The ruling reinforces Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all Nigerians.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Rivers State Area Unit, hailed the judgment as a historic affirmation of constitutional rights and the rule of law.
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The case traces back to 2012, when a mosque on the university campus was demolished, leaving Muslim students without a dedicated place of worship. The matter passed through the Federal High Court in 2013 and the Court of Appeal in 2017, before finally reaching the Supreme Court.
In a statement, the MSSN emphasized that the ruling is not a victory for one religion over another but a triumph for constitutionalism, equity, and justice. The society commended Muslim students for their discipline, resilience, and peaceful conduct throughout the legal process and acknowledged the efforts of its legal team and community leaders.
The MSSN called on Rivers State University management and relevant authorities to implement the ruling promptly by providing a dedicated and befitting place of worship for Muslim students on campus. The organization also urged students to respond with gratitude and maturity, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and mutual respect within the university community.
Experts believe this decision will have far-reaching implications for religious accommodation and inclusivity in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Supreme Court Affirms Muslim Students’ Right to Worship at Rivers State University
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