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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦392,876,550 in student loans to Delta State University, Abraka, supporting 1,854 beneficiaries across various faculties.
Ejes Gist News reports that the funding aims to alleviate financial challenges and enable students to concentrate on their academic pursuits.
In a statement posted on NELFUND’s official X account, the agency confirmed the disbursement, noting that the assistance is part of its ongoing commitment to improving access to higher education in Nigeria. The Registrar of DELSU, Mrs. Rufina Ofio, acknowledged the receipt of the funds in an official letter to the Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, expressing the university’s gratitude and emphasizing the support’s impact on students’ academic engagement.
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NELFUND Loan Details
- Total Amount Disbursed: ₦392,876,550
- Number of Beneficiaries: 1,854 students
- Purpose: Alleviate financial burdens and support academic pursuits
The letter from DELSU’s Registrar, dated 13 January 2026, commended NELFUND for its dedication to enhancing educational development and pledged continued collaboration between the university and the agency.
Controversy Over N20,000 Monthly Student Allowance
Despite the disbursement, NELFUND’s N20,000 monthly student upkeep allowance has sparked criticism on social media. Several students and commentators have raised concerns about irregular payments, lack of transparency, and delays in disbursement.
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One user on X, Big Virg, described the allowance as “extremely inconsiderate in the current economy” and criticized the scheme for administrative inefficiencies, including:
- Irregular and unpredictable payments that hinder students’ financial planning
- Lack of communication regarding delays or skipped payments
- Misleading portal approvals where allocated funds are not fully disbursed
- Poor stakeholder engagement with universities and student bodies
- Inconsistent application of rules and inequitable treatment among beneficiaries
Defenders Urge Patience and System Improvement
Other commentators have called for caution before scrapping the program. Omo Afariogun argued that NELFUND has reduced reliance on crowdfunding initiatives such as GoFundMe and emphasized the need for reform rather than abolishment.
Experts note that student loan schemes globally operate on a shared responsibility model, where government support is complemented by structured student contributions. NELFUND, though imperfect, aligns with this approach by providing a non-interest loan system aimed at sustainability in higher education financing.
Challenges and Recommendations
While NELFUND faces operational challenges—including inconsistent disbursement, weak communication, and administrative inefficiencies—observers agree that abandoning the program would risk returning Nigerian universities to chronic underfunding. Analysts recommend:
- Strengthening transparency and communication with students and institutions
- Ensuring timely and consistent disbursement of funds
- Implementing clear policies with minimal midstream changes
- Educating students on repayment responsibility to ensure sustainability
This Nigerian online news platform reports that as NELFUND continues to evolve, the program remains a critical intervention in Nigeria’s higher education sector, providing financial support to thousands of students and helping reduce barriers to academic completion.
Recommended Links
- NELFUND Login Password: How to Change and Reset Password
- NELFUND Student Loan Disbursement Begins: See How to Apply
