Writing By Khadijah Aliyu;Editing By Godwin Duru
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed a total of ₦3.039 billion in institutional charges to 27,640 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), in a major push to expand access to higher education and ease students’ financial burdens.
This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Haruna Musa, during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, and his delegation.
The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between both institutions and addressing issues relating to students’ upkeep allowances.
Speaking during the engagement, Professor Musa commended NELFUND for its impact, noting that the scheme has significantly improved access to tertiary education for many Nigerians who might otherwise have been unable to enroll.
Providing a breakdown, he revealed that in the 2023/2024 academic session, 113 BUK students benefitted from the scheme, with ₦1.494 billion paid as institutional charges.
He added that the number rose significantly in the 2024/2025 session to 14,539 students, accounting for ₦1.545 billion.
“In total, 27,640 students of Bayero University Kano have benefitted from the NELFUND scheme, with institutional charges amounting to ₦3.039 billion, excluding the living costs paid directly to the beneficiaries,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, noted that some students have experienced challenges during the application and disbursement process on the NELFUND portal.
He expressed optimism that the visiting team would address these concerns.
Earlier, Mr. Sawyerr said the visit served as both a courtesy call and an opportunity to deepen collaboration with the university.
He assured that issues raised by students would be reviewed to simplify application and reapplication processes.
He also advised the university to ensure the timely opening of its portal to enable students apply early and receive their upkeep allowances without delay.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
