Education
NELFUND Extends Student Loan Application Deadline Amid Rising Nationwide Demand
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a surge in nationwide interest driven by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
The Fund had earlier issued a reminder that the application portal would close on February 27, 2026. However, in response to growing awareness, increased applications and appeals from students and stakeholders, management approved additional days to allow more eligible applicants to complete the process.
Reasons for the Extension
According to NELFUND, the extension is designed to accommodate:
Students who need extra time to complete their applications
Prospective applicants who only recently became aware of the scheme during sensitisation outreaches
Institutions just commencing their 2025/2026 academic session
Institutions yet to submit their verified student lists
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to expanding access to tertiary education financing.
He noted that the sensitisation campaign conducted across the six geopolitical zones significantly boosted participation and public awareness.
“Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. In line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” Sawyerr said.
Conditions for Institutions
NELFUND emphasised that institutions which have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session must formally apply for an extension. Such requests must be accompanied by the institution’s approved academic calendar for consideration.
Students were urged to utilise the extended window to complete their applications through the official NELFUND portal before the final closure date, which will be communicated after further management review.
The Fund reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
For inquiries, students and institutions can contact NELFUND via email at info@nelf.gov.ng or through its official social media platforms and website.
An examination in the Department of Accounting at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) was abruptly cancelled after a student alerted authorities that the question paper allegedly contained both questions and corresponding answers.
The incident reportedly occurred during a scheduled test when candidates discovered that the answers were printed on the same sheet as the questions.
According to accounts circulating among students, many noticed the error shortly after the exam began but allegedly continued writing without raising an alarm.
The situation took a dramatic turn moments before the end of the examination when a female student stood up to notify invigilators of the oversight. Witnesses said she explained that she felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to speak up and could no longer remain silent about what had happened.
Her disclosure reportedly caused confusion in the examination hall as invigilators examined the script and confirmed that the answers were indeed included. The examiner was immediately informed, and the examination was cancelled.
Students were directed to stop writing and submit their scripts, while departmental authorities announced that a new date would be fixed for a rescheduled examination.
The development has sparked debate within the university community, with students expressing mixed reactions over issues of academic integrity, collective responsibility, and personal conscience during examinations.
As of the time of filing this report, the university management had not issued an official statement on the matter or indicated whether disciplinary action would be taken against the examiner.
The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged a N1 billion research fund for lecturers of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti.
Bamidele made the commitment at the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at the weekend, where 1,564 pioneer students were formally admitted into the 2025/2026 academic session.
He explained that the N1 billion intervention would be disbursed in yearly instalments of N200 million over a five-year period to strengthen research and academic development within the institution.
In addition, the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District donated over N31 million to support students, with each of the matriculating students receiving N20,000 alongside food items.
Expansion plans
In his goodwill message, Bamidele outlined plans to expand the university’s academic and research capacity. He disclosed that although FUTES currently runs four faculties, arrangements are in place to establish three additional faculties as part of its growth drive.
According to him, engagement has commenced with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, particularly in providing the necessary infrastructure and equipment.
He added that construction is ongoing at the university’s permanent site, including three new faculty buildings and a comprehensive medical complex designed as a “Medical Village.” The proposed facility will house a hospital with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a diagnostic centre equipped with MRI and CT scan machines, an eye care centre, a dental care centre, and a kidney and dialysis centre.
“Beyond infrastructure, university education is about research. For the next five years, I will make available N200 million annually to support research and the work of the academic community. Though it may be modest, it is a commitment to strengthening this institution. We will also build partnerships with government and the private sector to ensure sustainable support,” he said.
VC highlights vision
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, said the university commenced academic activities within one year of its establishment, with 36 departments spread across four faculties and a total enrolment of 1,564 students.
He described FUTES as a citadel of learning positioned to rank among leading universities globally within its first decade. He noted that the institution’s mission is to advance humanity through transformative learning anchored on cutting-edge teaching and research.
Aribisala listed the university’s objectives to include delivering world-class education in technology and environmental sciences, promoting innovation and creativity, developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, and instilling ethical values in students.
He urged the pioneer students to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution and warned against antisocial behaviours such as drug abuse, sexual assault and intimidation, stressing that discipline and character would be as important as academic excellence.
Government commendation
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Dr Azeez Mayowa, commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the university.
He also praised Bamidele for his efforts in ensuring that the institution commenced academic activities within a year of its establishment and encouraged students to prioritise creativity and service to humanity over mere certification.
Education
Gov. Kefas Orders Probe of Taraba State University Accounts, Approves ₦235m for Retirees’ Entitlements
The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has ordered an immediate investigation into the Accounts Department of Taraba State University, directing a comprehensive audit of the institution’s financial activities from 2015 to date.
The directive, according to the governor, is part of his administration’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability across public institutions in the state.
Governor Kefas has instructed that all relevant financial records, official documents, and supporting files be submitted without delay to enable a detailed review of the university’s financial operations. The probe, he said, is designed to ensure prudent management of public funds and reinforce institutional integrity.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance on due process, the governor stressed that government-owned institutions must operate under strict financial discipline to maintain public trust and guarantee efficient service delivery.
In a related move, Governor Kefas approved the release of ₦235 million to settle outstanding entitlements owed to deceased staff members and retired workers of the university. The payment is expected to bring long-awaited relief to affected families and former employees who have been awaiting their benefits for several years.
Observers say the twin decisions: the financial investigation and the approval of funds for unpaid entitlements, signal a firm commitment by the state government to reform the education sector while addressing lingering accountability and welfare concerns within state-owned institutions.