The Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, has called for sustained stakeholder engagement and increased awareness of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme to ensure that eligible Nigerian students benefit fully from the Federal Government’s student financing initiative.
Senator Muntari made the call at the National Sensitisation Programme on NELFund, hosted by the University of Uyo, Monday, August 24, 2026, at the 1000-Seater TETFund Auditorium, Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, on the theme, “Expanding Access to Higher Education through Sustainable Student Financing”.
The programme brought together members of the National Assembly, University administrators, representatives of State Governments, student leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector to deepen understanding of NELFund and promote wider access to sustainable student financing.
Speaking at the event, Senator Muntari, who chaired the occasion, said the sensitisation programme was part of efforts to ensure that the Federal Government’s student loan initiative was widely understood and effectively utilised across tertiary institutions in the country. He noted, that engaging stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones would enhance awareness, strengthen institutional collaboration and expand access to higher education financing for Nigerian students.
The Chairman further stressed the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries understand not only the opportunities provided by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through NELFund, but also their responsibilities under the scheme, particularly with regard to loan repayment, which he said, was essential to guaranteeing its long-term sustainability.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher N. Ekong, expressed the University’s commitment to Federal Government initiatives aimed at improving access to higher education and reducing financial barriers confronting students.
Prof. Ekong, commended the Federal Government and the National Assembly for establishing NELFund, noting that sustainable student financing would contribute significantly to expanding access to tertiary education and ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing their educational aspirations.
The University Chief Executive noted, that the initiative had also provided eligible students with greater access to funding for the payment of school fees, thereby easing some of the financial pressures associated with tertiary education. He assured the Senate Committee and NELFund of the University’s readiness towards effective implementation.
A paper titled, “Addressing the High Unemployment Paradox in Repayments of NELFund Loans,” was presented by the Director of Human Resources, NELFund, Dr. Zino Ugboma. The paper examined the challenge of graduate unemployment in relation to the repayment of NELFund loans, highlighting the importance of employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in enabling beneficiaries to meet their repayment obligations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the student financing schemer.
The speaker disclosed, that the Federal Government had committed substantial funds to the NELFund scheme for disbursement to eligible students. He therefore called for transparent and effective implementation of the programme by University Management to ensure that the funds achieved their intended purpose.
A panel discussion which provided an interactive platform for stakeholders to examine issues surrounding student financing, the sustainability of the NELFund scheme and challenges associated with its implementation and repayment was held.
The panel was moderated by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. Other panellists were Senator Anthony Ani; the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof. Leo Daniel; the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), represented by Comrade Usen Johnson; and the Students’ Union President, University of Uyo, Comrade Utibe Afia.
The discussion provided an opportunity for the panellists to share perspectives on the implementation of NELFund, graduate employment and loan repayment, as well as the need for stronger collaboration among government, tertiary institutions and students
Goodwill messages were received from the three Governors in the South-South Zone.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh. The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by the Executive Assistant, Dr. Okoh Ezekiel Oghene-Tega, while the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu, was represented by the Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Enyia.
Members of the Senate Committee who attended the event included Senator Pam Mwadkon; Senator Plang Diket; Senator Rev. Amos Yohanna; Senator Kelvin Chukwu; and Senator Tony Nwoye. Also in attendance was the Senator representing Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson.
The University of Uyo Management Team in attendance comprised the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Iniobong Uko; the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mrs. Blossom E. Okorie; the Bursar, Dr. Moses Akpan; and the University Librarian, Dr. Thomas Adigun.
The event also had in attendance the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon, JP, members of the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council, among other dignitaries.
