Over 8,266 students of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK) have received a total of ₦1.073 billion in student loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This monumental achievement was revealed by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Umaru A. Pate, during the institution’s convocation ceremonies held on Monday, July 1, 2025.
A Game-Changing Support System
According to Prof. Pate, the financial support provided through NELFUND represents one of the most impactful educational interventions Nigeria has seen in recent years. The fund has significantly relieved students and their families of the financial burden of tertiary education. The disbursed ₦1 billion covered both institutional service charges and monthly living stipends, ensuring that students not only had access to education but could also meet their basic needs while studying.
He praised the Nigerian government and the management of NELFUND for the bold and forward-thinking approach, noting that the program has changed the trajectory for many students who might otherwise have dropped out due to financial constraints.
“This is by far one of the most life-changing initiatives we’ve witnessed in the Nigerian education sector. Our students are finally seeing the benefits of a responsive government,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
FUK’s Academic Milestones
The convocation was not only a celebration of financial inclusion but also a celebration of academic excellence. Out of a total of 6,870 graduating undergraduates, 91 students bagged first-class honours degrees, a significant achievement that signals the university’s growing academic reputation.
Breakdown of the academic performance includes:
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91 students – First Class
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1,899 students – Second Class Upper
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3,917 students – Second Class Lower
The university’s administration expressed pride in the graduates, many of whom benefitted from the NELFUND loans, suggesting a positive link between financial support and improved academic performance.
A Glimpse into the Bigger Picture
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, has been actively working to democratize access to tertiary education. Since the student loan portal went live in 2024, thousands of students across the country have applied for the interest-free loans.
In a recent update by NELFUND’s leadership, it was revealed that more than 500,000 applications were received in just 11 months, with disbursements already made to thousands of students in public institutions across Nigeria. The loan scheme is designed to cover tuition fees, service charges, and a monthly upkeep allowance, helping students focus solely on their studies.
Digital Transformation of the Loan Process
Another significant milestone for the program has been the complete digitization of the Student Loan Application System (SLAS). This allows universities and polytechnics to verify student data seamlessly and track loan processing stages in real-time, thereby reducing delays and increasing transparency.
Prof. Pate praised this digital shift, calling it a bold step towards curbing inefficiencies in educational financing and aligning Nigerian institutions with global best practices.
Concerns and Oversight
Despite the widespread praise, the program has not been without challenges. There have been reported cases of loans being disbursed to students who had already graduated, raising eyebrows and prompting ongoing investigations. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has reportedly launched inquiries into these irregularities, alongside the Federal Ministry of Education.
Nevertheless, education stakeholders remain optimistic, believing that these teething issues will be resolved with stronger checks and institutional accountability.
Looking Forward
The experience at FUK sets an encouraging precedent for other institutions across the country. With thousands of students lifted out of financial distress, and many more poised to benefit in the future, the NELFUND scheme may well be a cornerstone in Nigeria’s journey toward equitable, quality education.