*** 995 Adeyemi varsity students apply for N68m loan
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has started the disbursement of April upkeep payments to eligible students across the country.
The agency announced this in a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, on Monday in Abuja.
It explained that while most payments had been successfully processed, a small number of beneficiaries may experience a delay due to the recent upgrade of its payment and application processing system.
The statement added: “NELFUND is working closely with relevant stakeholders to resolve these issues promptly and ensure that all eligible students receive their entitlements without further delay.
“We remain committed to transparency, operational excellence, and the timely delivery of student support in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as we continue to improve service delivery for the benefit of Nigerian students.”
Also, over 995 students of Adeyemi University of Education (AFUED) in Ondo State have applied for N68,316,200 from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, who spoke at a pre-convocation media briefing to announce the 61st Foundation Day and the 35th convocation ceremony of the university, said the institution was still expecting the fund from NELFUND.
Akintunde said funding was a major challenge to the institution, announcing that the university spent N26 million monthly on electricity bills.
The vice chancellor said the convocation lecture, titled: The Advent of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education, would be delivered by Prof. Toyin Falola, a Professor of African Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, U.S.A.
He said honorary doctorate degrees would be conferred on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe, and Prof. Falola.
He said: “We paid about N26 m monthly for electricity. That is aside from the amount we expend on a monthly basis on diesel. We used 5000 litres of diesel within two weeks, so we have the problem of funding.
“We have prioritised the welfare of both staff and students through improved working conditions, scholarship, and support for research grants in spite of funding challenges.
“Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of our students and staff within and around the campus.”
“As we prepare to celebrate our graduating students, we remain committed to the vision of making AFUED a world-class institution for teacher education and research. We are optimistic about the future and will continue to pursue excellence in all areas of our operations.
“We are expecting the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) of N68,316,200 with 995 students who have applied for it,” he added.
