The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has issued a formal commendation to the management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, for adopting a student-friendly policy that ensures beneficiaries of the national loan scheme can pursue their academic goals without disruption.
In a move described as a model for institutional collaboration, the university issued a directive allowing students with verified or disbursed status on the NELFUND platform to participate in their first-semester 2025/2026 examinations upon presenting evidence of their status.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, warmly welcomed the approach, noting that it reflects a profound understanding of the scheme’s core mission of ensuring that no Nigerian student is denied an education due to financial constraints.
He emphasized that such actions reinforce the fund’s objectives of fairness and inclusivity, and he urged other tertiary institutions across Nigeria to implement similar measures that prioritize student progress while tuition and upkeep funds are processed.
The commendation coincides with the release of the NELFUND Daily Status Report for March 9, 2026, which showcases the extensive reach of the program since its portal launched in May 2024.
Data from the report indicates that 1,164,222 students have so far benefited from the scheme out of a total of 1,734,985 applications received.
The fund continues to see steady growth, recording 1,910 new applications over the previous day alone.
Financial milestones highlighted in the report reveal that NELFUND has disbursed a total of ₦206,289,101,199.25 to date.
This figure includes ₦128,841,589,199.25 paid directly to 270 beneficiary institutions for tuition fees and ₦77,447,512,000.00 distributed as upkeep allowances to students.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda”of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to continue working with universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to empower Nigerian youth and safeguard their academic aspirations.