The Acting Vice Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, Professor Samuel Akintunde, has called on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund, to expedite the release of student loans to eligible students of the institution.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday in preparation for the university’s 35th convocation ceremony, Akintunde disclosed that 995 students had applied for the education loan but had yet to receive any disbursement. The total expected sum, he said, stands at ₦68,316,200—excluding the ₦20,000 monthly stipends promised under the scheme.
“The NELFund is yet to make a release to us, but we are hopeful, as it has reached the disbursement stage. This amount is meant for 995 students who applied. Those who didn’t apply won’t receive any funds and must cover their fees independently,” the VC clarified.
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He emphasized the importance of the funds as the school prepares to graduate a record number of students this year.
According to him, a total of 18,825 graduates—spanning six academic sessions—will receive degrees and certificates. This includes 6,269 National Certificate of Education holders, 11,501 degree recipients, and 1,055 part-time graduates.
In addition, the university is set to confer honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished individuals, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Akintunde noted that Tinubu, an alumna of the institution’s Botany and Zoology department, was being recognized for her pivotal role in the transition of the institution from a college of education to a full-fledged university.
“Our convocation will take place over two days—from Thursday to Friday—with various activities lined up. Senator Tinubu is not only a former student and educator but also a key figure in the transformation of this institution,” he said.
The VC’s plea adds to growing public attention on the operational delays facing the newly launched student loan initiative.
PunchNewspaper
