Delta State University in Abraka has issued a directive permitting students whose status under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme is "Verified" or "Disbursed" to participate in the first semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The directive, conveyed through an internal memorandum on 6th March 2026 by Professor Hilary Ijeoma, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), allows students to sit for their examinations upon presenting evidence of their status on the NELFUND platform.
Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, described the move as a commendable example of institutional collaboration in support of Nigerian students.
"We warmly welcome this student centred approach by Delta State University. It reflects a clear understanding of the NELFUND scheme's purpose: to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to education due to financial constraints. At NELFUND, we are very pleased to see institutions taking practical, youth friendly steps that allow students who have completed the application process to continue their academic activities without disruption," Sawyerr stated, according to a statement released on Monday by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND.
The Managing Director noted that such actions reinforce the NELFUND programme's broader objective of expanding access to higher education while promoting fairness and inclusivity across Nigeria's tertiary institutions.
He encouraged other universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to adopt similar supportive measures that prioritise students' academic progress. At the same time, the loan process continues to provide financial support for tuition and upkeep.
Sawyerr further stated that the initiative demonstrates strong institutional support for Nigerian students and reflects a clear understanding of the NELFUND scheme's core objective: ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent Nigerian students from accessing higher education.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with tertiary institutions nationwide to ensure effective implementation of the student loan programme and protect the educational aspirations of Nigerian students.
The fund noted that it welcomes practical youth focused measures by institutions that enable students who have completed the loan application process to continue their academic activities without interruption.
