Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Anambra State, has expressed worry over the poor response of its students to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, lamenting that only about four percent of its student population have so far applied.
The university’s NELFUND Committee, chaired by Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh, disclosed this in a memo dated September 11, 2025, where it revealed that out of over 66,000 students’ data already uploaded to the NELFUND portal, barely a fraction have taken the next step to register.
“This is disheartening,” the committee said, stressing that the institution has fulfilled its own obligation, and that it was now left for students to seize the opportunity.
The loan scheme, designed specifically for indigent students, comes with zero interest rate and no collateral.
Beneficiaries stand to enjoy direct payment of their tuition fees to the university, as well as a monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000 into their bank accounts. Discussions are also ongoing for an upward review of the stipend.
Prof. Ufoaroh noted that students from South Eastern states have particularly shown low interest in the programme, warning that this could deny many of them the chance to complete their studies with less financial stress.
“We must not allow this opportunity to pass us by. This is a national initiative to help students go through school. Let’s register now and worry about repayment modalities later,” he urged.
The committee listed contact persons for inquiries, including the SUG President, Mr. Chukwusom Ochuba, as well as desk officers from the university.
With the biting economic hardship and rising cost of education, observers say it is surprising that many students have yet to key into the initiative.
Meanwhile, the university advised all students to log on to the NELFUND portal at www.nelf.gov.ng for more details and registration.
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