Campus News

Egbewole applauds Tinubu’s NELFUND initiative, urges more students to apply

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant intervention that has prevented many students from abandoning their academic pursuits due to financial constraints.

Prof. Egbewole gave the commendation last Tuesday (March 11, 2025), when he received the Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, who visited him in his office ahead of his participation in a Sensitisation Programme that took place at the University Auditorium.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice Chancellor lamented the financial constraints faced by some students, noting that the introduction of NELFUND has brought succour to many students across the country.

                While expressing concern over the difficulties students face in keeping up with their studies due to financial hardship, Prof. Egbewole noted that many students had resorted to taking up menial jobs to support themselves, while others had to suspend their education entirely due to lack of funds. He added that despite efforts by well-meaning individuals, including some staff members of the University, to support indigent students, a significant number of them still found it challenging to continue their studies.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern about the low number of students that have so far applied for the loan, saying there is a significant gap between the total student population and the number of beneficiaries. He said, “The gap between the total number of students and those who have applied is still wide. We wonder why some students are skeptical about the scheme, despite our extensive awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes. One of the concerns we frequently hear is the fear of repayment. Many students do not realise that their parents already take bank loans or cooperative funds to pay their school fees.”

               Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, stated that his team was at the University of Ilorin to identify the specific challenges faced by students at Unilorin and other institutions in Kwara State in order to provide sustainable solutions.

Mr Sawyerr, who was represented by the Executive Director of Operation, Mr Iyal Mustapha, said NELFUND is more than just an educational funding agency, but a partner with all Nigerian educational institutions in making education more accessible. He said the initiative goes beyond paying students’ school fees; but represents an investment in the future of the country.

While reiterating that all institutional charges covered by NELFUND are interest-free, as the primary objective is to support students and contribute to national development, he expressed concern over the relatively low number of applicants from UNILORIN, revealing that out of the University’s population of over 50,000 students, only about 11,000 had so far applied for the loan.

While also acknowledging the efforts of the University Administration in promoting the initiative, Sawyerr noted the importance of collaboration between NELFUND and the University in addressing any challenges encountered by both students and management.

Earlier in her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, lamented that financial difficulties have long been one of the biggest barriers preventing many students from pursuing higher education in Nigeria.

               The Special Adviser noted that the initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s education sector, ensuring that students who might have otherwise struggled to afford tuition and other academic expenses now have an opportunity to complete their studies without financial hindrances.

               Also speaking, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, who reaffirmed the commitment of the University to ensuring that all eligible students benefit from the NELFUND, acknowledged that the University has been actively making efforts to encourage student participation in the initiative by raising awareness and providing necessary guidance.

               Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; all the Sub- Deans of Student Affairs, and the President of the Student Union, Mr Agezeh Victor Oghenetega.