The Rivers state university has praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund for transforming the lives of thousands of students who were struggling to afford their education.
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education received welcome news this academic session as 5,091 of its students successfully accessed loans through the national student loan initiative, providing much-needed relief to families facing financial pressure.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, speaking on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, Senate, and entire community, described NELFUND’s intervention as a game-changer for students battling to meet their financial obligations.
“The initiative has given our students renewed hope and motivation to pursue their studies without the burden of financial stress,” Professor Onuchuku stated. “We commend the professionalism and dedication of the NELFUND team and appreciate the Federal Government’s continued support for access to quality education.”
The disbursements for the 2024/2025 academic session were processed across four separate batches, with the bulk of beneficiaries receiving their funds early in the cycle.
The university provided a detailed breakdown showing that 2,946 students received support in Batch One, representing the largest single group. An additional 145 students were covered in Batch Two, while 45 more are currently being processed through Batches Three and Four.
These numbers reflect not just statistics but real students who can now focus on their studies rather than worrying about school fees and other educational expenses.
Looking ahead, the university has announced that registration for the 2025/2026 academic session is now open. Student data has already been uploaded to the NELFUND portal, streamlining the application process.
Undergraduates have been urged to complete their registration by visiting the portal before the January 26, 2026 deadline. Missing this date could mean forfeiting access to loan support for the upcoming session.
To ensure smooth processing, the university’s Information and Communications Technology Centre has been tasked with establishing a dedicated help desk. Students will receive personalized registration information through email and text messages to guide them through each step.
Professor Onuchuku emphasized that the university remains committed to working closely with NELFUND and the federal government to promote equitable access to education throughout Nigeria.
This partnership approach signals a growing recognition that making education affordable requires collaboration between institutions, government agencies, and funding bodies.
The positive developments at IAUE come shortly after Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (retired) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, inaugurated new governing councils for four state-owned tertiary institutions, including the university.
During the ceremony held at Government House in Port Harcourt last month, Admiral Ibas challenged the new councils to transform their institutions into centers of academic excellence and innovation.
“A university is not an ivory tower. It is a living engine of social and economic growth,” he told council members. “You must embrace transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration with the private sector, development partners, and international institutions.”
The Administrator’s vision extends beyond universities to include polytechnics, which he described as symbols of resilience and progress named after the state’s distinguished citizens.
“These polytechnics have produced skilled graduates who contribute meaningfully to our industries and communities,” Admiral Ibas noted, urging governing boards to prioritize infrastructure improvement, expand access to technical education, and enhance welfare for both staff and students.
His charge to the councils was clear: provide strategic leadership, ensure accountability, and promote sound policy direction that positions these institutions as drivers of social and economic development.
Admiral Ibas framed the inauguration as proof of the government’s commitment to education as the bedrock of sustainable development and empowerment in Rivers State.
For the 5,091 IAUE students now benefiting from NELFUND support, these aren’t just policy statements, they represent tangible opportunities to complete their education and build better futures.
As the 2025/2026 registration window remains open, more students will have the chance to access similar support, provided they act before the January deadline approaches.
The success story at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education demonstrates what’s possible when government funding mechanisms work as intended, reaching students who need support most and removing financial barriers that have historically limited educational access in Nigeria.