Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has announced that 556 students applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan. Out of these applicants, 304 students were approved by NELFUND on August 16, 2024. The university’s Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed this information.
This development comes after concerns were raised by the South-East caucus of the National Assembly regarding the exclusion of beneficiaries from South-East tertiary institutions in the ongoing disbursement of student loans by NELFUND. However, Dr. Ojukwu clarified that UNIZIK is not left out of the NELFUND program, contrary to speculation.
The university is currently verifying the list of applicants to confirm their status as bona fide students before disbursement by NELFUND. This move aims to ensure that only eligible students receive the loan. The NELFUND student loan is intended to support students across Nigeria, with a total of N2 billion disbursed so far, benefiting 27,667 students from 19 institutions nationwide.
The approval of 304 UNIZIK students for the NELFUND loan is a welcome development, providing financial support to students in need. The university’s efforts to verify the applicants’ list demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the integrity of the process.
