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Author: Val Kosi

  • Tinubu’s Directive Yields ₦50bn Boost for Student Loan Fund

    Tinubu’s Directive Yields ₦50bn Boost for Student Loan Fund

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has received a significant injection of ₦50 billion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

    This funding aims to enhance the student loan program and increase access to education for Nigerian students.

    In a statement, NELFUND’s Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to education and social intervention policies.

    He added that the fund will be utilized to provide financial support to students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without financial constraints.

    NELFUND has pledged to partner with the EFCC to ensure the transparent and efficient disbursement of the funds, directly benefiting those who need them most.

  • NELFUND Clarifies Delay in Student Loan Disbursement to South-East Institutions

    NELFUND Clarifies Delay in Student Loan Disbursement to South-East Institutions

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has addressed the concerns surrounding the apparent exclusion of South-East institutions from the recent student loan disbursements.

    NELFUND clarified that the delay is due to these institutions’ failure to complete the necessary verification process required for funds to be released.

    In a statement issued via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, NELFUND emphasized that geopolitical considerations do not influence the disbursement process.

    “Geopolitical zones are not a factor in the disbursement process. NELFUND sent a verification list to every institution eligible for disbursement,” it noted.

    NELFUND further explained that payments are being made to institutions that have responded to this verification.

    However, “we have not yet received any response from the institutions in the South-East. We urge these institutions to complete the verification process so that their students can benefit from the scheme,” the statement added.

    This clarification comes in response to a social media user’s frustration over the perceived neglect of South-East universities, such as UNIZIK, FUTO, MOUAU, and the University of Nigeria (UNN), in the loan allocation.

    The user, identified as Santiago Leo, stated, “No funds were allocated to students in UNIZIK, FUTO, MOUAU, and even the University of Nigeria (UNN). I’m pretty sure a lot of students in those schools applied for the loan just like every other Nigerian student.”

    As of now, NELFUND has disbursed approximately N2.9 billion to 27,667 students across 19 institutions that completed the verification process.

  • Candidates Under 18 Years Won’t Be Allowed to Write WAEC, NECO – FG

    Candidates Under 18 Years Won’t Be Allowed to Write WAEC, NECO – FG

    The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has announced that candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be permitted to sit for secondary school leaving examinations in Nigeria.

    This decision, aimed at enforcing the 18-year age requirement, was communicated during his appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics programme.

    According to Mamman, the Federal Government has instructed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to comply with the directive.

    Effective immediately, only candidates who are at least 18 years old will be eligible to take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

    The minister also reaffirmed the age limit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), stating that candidates must be 18 years or older to be eligible.

    “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18,” Mamman explained.

    He emphasized that this is not a new policy but rather a reminder of existing regulations.

    “Even basically if you compute the number of years pupils, and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a half – from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school and then senior secondary school. You will end up with 17 and a half by the time they are ready for admission,” he said.

    “So, we are not coming up with new policy contrary to what some people are saying; we are just simply reminding people of what is existing.

    “In any case, NECO and WAEC, henceforth will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations. In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years in that particular level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination.”

  • Kano Leads, FCT Trails: Breakdown of Student Loan Registrations Across Nigeria

    Kano Leads, FCT Trails: Breakdown of Student Loan Registrations Across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has released detailed statistics regarding student loan registrations by state of origin.

    This data provides insights into the number of students who have registered for loans across various states and those who applied after registering.

    This information is crucial for understanding the geographical distribution of student loan applicants in Nigeria.

    Key Highlights

    • Kano State has the highest number of registered students, with 20,814 registrations, out of which 17,122 students proceeded to apply after registration.
    • Borno State follows closely with 16,353 registered students and 13,798 applications.
    • The state with the least number of registered students is FCT-Abuja, with 894 registrations, and 676 of those students applied after registering.

    Table: Student Loan Registration by State of Origin

    State Number of Registered Students Number of Students Who Applied After Registering Percentage Applied (%)
    Kano 20,814 17,122 82.3%
    Borno 16,353 13,798 84.4%
    Benue 16,127 11,754 72.9%
    Oyo 14,086 8,990 63.8%
    Kaduna 13,873 10,380 74.8%
    Katsina 13,538 10,952 80.9%
    Osun 13,368 8,093 60.5%
    Kogi 12,675 8,400 66.3%
    Plateau 11,624 9,328 80.2%
    Adamawa 11,219 8,977 80.0%
    Kwara 11,126 7,645 68.7%
    Taraba 10,499 7,604 72.4%
    Yobe 10,398 8,966 86.2%
    Ogun 10,387 7,097 68.3%
    Akwa-Ibom 9,594 6,517 67.9%
    Bauchi 8,358 6,517 78.0%
    Kebbi 7,873 6,333 80.4%
    Gombe 7,594 6,121 80.6%
    Niger 7,487 5,804 77.5%
    Jigawa 6,937 5,535 79.8%
    Ondo 6,519 3,854 59.1%
    Nasarawa 6,192 4,789 77.3%
    Ekiti 6,065 3,497 57.6%
    Imo 5,458 2,802 51.3%
    Delta 4,943 2,771 56.1%
    Ebonyi 4,749 2,981 62.8%
    Cross-River 4,282 2,476 57.8%
    Enugu 4,133 2,247 54.4%
    Abia 4,068 2,170 53.4%
    Lagos 3,947 2,347 59.5%
    Anambra 3,747 1,840 49.1%
    Zamfara 3,721 2,986 80.2%
    Edo 3,612 2,149 59.5%
    Rivers 3,612 2,162 59.9%
    Sokoto 3,014 2,055 68.2%
    Bayelsa 1,977 1,267 64.1%
    FCT-Abuja 894 676 75.6%

    Analysis

    • This data is indicative of regional differences in both registration and application rates for student loans across Nigeria.
    • Northern states like Kano, Borno, and Benue have shown higher registration numbers, which could be attributed to the larger youth population and the demand for educational support in these regions.
    • Meanwhile, states like Bayelsa and FCT-Abuja have comparatively lower figures, reflecting either a smaller student population or less awareness and access to loan facilities.
    • The percentages reveal that a majority of students who registered for the loan eventually applied, with states like Borno (84.4%) and Yobe (86.2%) showing particularly high conversion rates.
    • In contrast, states like Anambra (49.1%) and Imo (51.3%) had lower application rates after registration.

    Pie Chart: Student Loan Registration by State of Origin

    Below is the pie chart representing the Student Loan Registration by State of Origin in Nigeria based on the data provided. Each state is labeled with the percentage of the total number of registered students, visually showing the distribution of registrations across the states.

  • FG’s Meeting with ASUU Postponed Amidst Threat of Nationwide Strike

    FG’s Meeting with ASUU Postponed Amidst Threat of Nationwide Strike

    The planned meeting between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been postponed from today to Wednesday, August 28. ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke confirmed the postponement, although no reason was given.

    The meeting was intended to prevent another nationwide strike by ASUU, which had issued a 21-day strike notice to the Federal Government last week. The union is demanding the implementation of the 2009 renegotiated agreement, improved welfare for lecturers, increased funding for universities, and an end to the proliferation of universities.

    The strike notice was issued after ASUU’s national executive council meeting at the University of Ibadan, where the union’s demands were reiterated. The Federal Government’s postponement of the meeting may escalate tensions and bring the sector closer to another round of industrial action.

  • EKEDC Cuts Off Electricity Supply to UNILAG Over N1bn Unpaid Bills

    EKEDC Cuts Off Electricity Supply to UNILAG Over N1bn Unpaid Bills

    The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from the power grid due to unpaid electricity bills amounting to over ₦1 billion, according to a statement released by the university on Thursday.

    The power cut occurred on August 27, following what the university claims was a payment of ₦180 million to EKEDC earlier in the month.

    UNILAG management expressed surprise at the disconnection, stating that it was done without prior notice despite ongoing negotiations with EKEDC.

    The statement highlighted that the university had been moved from tariff Band B to Band A by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), resulting in a steep increase in its monthly electricity bill from an average of ₦150-₦180 million to nearly ₦300 million as of June 2024.

    The university’s administration disclosed that it had communicated its inability to pay the higher Band A rates to EKEDC, insisting on remaining in Band B due to budgetary constraints.

    Despite these discussions, the university received a bill of ₦472 million for July, exacerbating its financial burden.

    “Despite paying ₦180 million on August 20, the university’s electricity was disconnected just a week later,” the statement read. “We assure our community that we are working diligently to resolve this issue with EKEDC and are taking measures to ration power supply across the campus until further notice.”

    In response, Babatunde Lakasi, EKEDC’s General Manager of Corporate Communications and Strategy, issued a statement explaining that the disconnection was a result of recurring unpaid bills, which have now exceeded ₦1 billion. He noted that the ₦180 million recently paid by UNILAG only covered a small portion of the outstanding debt.

    “To set the record straight, UNILAG’s migration from Band B to Band A tariff followed due process, with adequate engagements and communication regarding the implications. The tariff increase reflects the institution’s average 23 hours of supply availability, aligning with Band A criteria,” Lakasi said.

    Lakasi added that EKEDC had issued multiple disconnection notices to UNILAG before taking action, and that the company had engaged with key university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola and other senior members of the administration, in efforts to resolve the debt issue.

    While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the disconnection, Lakasi emphasized that EKEDC is committed to delivering reliable electricity services, which are contingent upon timely bill payments and adherence to agreed terms. He reiterated the company’s dedication to resolving the matter amicably and mentioned that further discussions are ongoing to explore feasible solutions, including a phased repayment plan that would align with UNILAG’s financial capabilities.

  • NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided valuable insights into the student loan registration process across the country.

    Below, we explore the top five states with the highest student loan registrations, offering a detailed overview of the factors contributing to their impressive numbers.

    1. Kano State

    • Number of Registered Students: 20,814
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 17,122
    • Percentage Applied: 82.3%

    Kano State tops the list with the highest number of student loan registrations. With over 20,000 students registered, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education, possibly driven by its large population and robust educational infrastructure. The high percentage of students who followed through with applications (82.3%) indicates effective awareness campaigns and support systems in place to assist students in accessing financial aid.

    2. Borno State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,353
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 13,798
    • Percentage Applied: 84.4%

    Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, Borno State ranks second, with a commendable registration figure. The state’s educational authorities and institutions have clearly worked hard to ensure that students are aware of and utilize the opportunities provided by NELFUND. The fact that 84.4% of registered students proceeded to apply for loans is a testament to the state’s resilience and focus on education as a tool for empowerment.

    3. Benue State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,127
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 11,754
    • Percentage Applied: 72.9%

    Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has also made significant strides in student loan registrations. The state’s education system appears well-organized, as reflected in the high registration numbers. However, the application follow-through rate is slightly lower at 72.9%, indicating a potential area for improvement in helping students complete the loan application process.

    4. Oyo State

    • Number of Registered Students: 14,086
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 8,990
    • Percentage Applied: 63.8%

    Oyo State, with its rich history in education, particularly higher education, secures the fourth position. The state’s capital, Ibadan, is home to Nigeria’s first university, and this legacy of academic excellence continues to influence student participation in programs like NELFUND. However, Oyo State has the lowest application percentage among the top five, at 63.8%, suggesting a need for more targeted efforts to ensure that registered students complete their applications.

    5. Kaduna State

    • Number of Registered Students: 13,873
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 10,380
    • Percentage Applied: 74.8%

    Kaduna State rounds out the top five, with nearly 14,000 students registering for the NELFUND student loan program. The state’s commitment to education is evident in its strong application rate of 74.8%. Kaduna has long been a hub for educational development in Northern Nigeria, and its performance in the NELFUND registration process reflects this tradition.

     

  • JAMB Clarifies Role in HND Graduates’ NYSC Mobilization, Dismisses Accusations

    JAMB Clarifies Role in HND Graduates’ NYSC Mobilization, Dismisses Accusations

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a statement clarifying its position regarding recent accusations by some Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates who blamed the board for their inability to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, Okay.ng reports.

    JAMB firmly denied any responsibility for the issue, urging the public to disregard the claims.

    In a statement released on Monday by JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized that it has no involvement, authority, or control over the admissions process for HND candidates.

    The statement was issued in response to complaints from prospective NYSC candidates who suggested that JAMB was to blame for their exclusion from the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme.

    “It is important to emphasize that JAMB has no involvement, authority, or control over the admissions process for HND candidates,” the statement read.

    JAMB explained that the candidates in question completed their HND on a full-time basis but were not mobilized for NYSC because they had initially completed their Ordinary National Diploma (OND) on a part-time basis.

    The board dismissed any connection between this issue and its mandate, stating that it does not oversee the admission or mobilization process for HND programs.

    “The candidates claimed they did HND on full-time but were not mobilized because they did OND on part-time. How on earth does that concern JAMB?” the statement questioned, adding that JAMB’s responsibilities are limited to determining matriculation requirements and conducting examinations for undergraduate admissions, as well as admissions to National Diploma (ND) and Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) courses.

    JAMB further clarified that most of the students involved were admitted into their institutions for ND programs without the board’s knowledge.

    JAMB had previously condoned and endorsed these admissions, but it stressed that the subsequent admission of these candidates into HND programs falls outside its mandate.

    “Their subsequent admission to HND is unknown and irrelevant to the mandate of the Board. As such, accusing the Board of issues it has no mandate over is preposterous,” the statement continued.

    JAMB also warned that some of the candidates had crossed into criminal behavior and indicated that the board would take appropriate action in due course.

    “The public is urged to disregard the accusations labeled against the Board as it has no mandate on such matters,” the statement concluded.

  • Ogun Moves to Improve School Enrollment

    Ogun Moves to Improve School Enrollment

    The Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, is working to improve school enrollment by upgrading facilities in public schools, especially for children with special needs, and conducting sensitisation campaigns across the state, being facilitated by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu.

    The government is emphasizing the availability of qualified teachers and a conducive learning environment in public schools.

    The registration for the next academic session is free for children aged three to six, and parents are encouraged to enroll their wards in nearby public primary schools.

    The government has invested in capacity building for teachers and infrastructure to enhance the teaching and learning process in schools.

    Parents are urged to monitor their children’s academic and moral activities for a successful future.

  • NELFUND Disburses Student Loans to 40 Additional Institutions [Full List]

    NELFUND Disburses Student Loans to 40 Additional Institutions [Full List]

    The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the disbursement of student loans to 40 more institutions, bringing the total number of benefiting institutions to 59.

    NELFUND in a statement via their X account emphasized its ongoing mission to make quality education accessible to Nigerian students regardless of their financial circumstances.

    “NELFUND is pleased to announce that it has successfully disbursed Student Loans to 40 additional institutions, bringing the total disbursements to institutions to 59,” the statement read.

    “This expansion marks a significant milestone in NELFUND’s ongoing commitment to providing access to quality education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

    The disbursement amounts to over N2.1 billion, benefiting a total of 18,998 students nationwide.

    Below is a table with the full list of institutions and their corresponding loan amounts:

    S/N Institution State Loan Amount (₦)
    1 Federal Polytechnic Nekede Imo ₦368,400.00
    2 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Imo ₦71,016,220.00
    3 Delta State University, Abraka Delta ₦45,973,600.00
    4 Ebonyi State University Ebonyi ₦78,313,000.00
    5 Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Anambra ₦193,377,100.00
    6 Federal University of Health Science Ila Orangun Osun ₦7,448,000.00
    7 Federal University Wukari Taraba ₦97,398,000.00
    8 Olabisi Onabanjo University Ogun ₦7,265,000.00
    9 University of Ibadan Oyo ₦9,797,450.00
    10 Osun State University Osun ₦218,954,500.00
    11 Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto ₦226,931,440.00
    12 Zamfara State University Zamfara ₦2,340,800.00
    13 Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo ₦4,050,500.00
    14 Federal Polytechnic Bali Taraba ₦2,589,000.00
    15 Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Ogun ₦133,995,450.00
    16 Federal University of Health Science Azare Bauchi ₦14,170,000.00
    17 Federal University Gusau Zamfara ₦218,554,000.00
    18 Federal University of Technology Ikot-Abasi Akwa Ibom ₦6,308,000.00
    19 Lagos State University of Education Lagos ₦14,378,000.00
    20 Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Ogun ₦3,485,000.00
    21 Ogun State Institute of Technology Ogun ₦5,907,998.00
    22 Tai Solarin University of Education Ogun ₦10,802,000.00
    23 University of Ilesa Osun ₦98,871,500.00
    24 University of Port Harcourt Rivers ₦66,906,030.00
    25 Gombe State University Gombe ₦3,621,000.00
    26 Federal University of Technology Babura Jigawa ₦64,565,000.00
    27 Nigerian Army University, Biu Borno ₦45,138,500.00
    28 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi ₦256,912,600.00
    29 Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano ₦4,297,178.00
    30 Bauchi State University Bauchi ₦12,628,500.00
    31 Yaba College of Technology Lagos ₦733,000.00
    32 Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Jigawa ₦621,256.80
    33 Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rivers ₦107,245,000.00
    34 Federal University of Technology Akure Ondo ₦34,428,000.00
    35 Ladoke Akintola University Oyo ₦8,670,000.00
    36 Kogi State University, Kabba Kogi ₦10,820,650.00
    37 Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru Niger ₦4,535,000.00
    38 Federal University of Health Science Otukpo Benue ₦32,450,844.00
    39 Abia State University Abia ₦12,469,500.00
    40 Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Ogun ₦7,846,500.00