The Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has directed the university's Bursar to commence immediate refunds of school fees paid by students who subsequently received financing through the Federal Government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme.

Prof Akanwa gave the directive during the inauguration and swearing in ceremony of the newly elected Students' Union Government, stating that students who settled their fees before their NELFUND loans were disbursed should not be denied the benefits of the government's education financing initiative.

The Vice Chancellor confirmed that the Bursar had been instructed to identify and process refunds for all eligible students without delay.

She also urged students to complete their course registrations promptly upon resumption for the 2026/2027 academic session, noting that early registration would allow the university to commence academic activities on schedule and avoid unnecessary disruptions to the calendar.

Prof Akanwa charged the newly inaugurated SUG executives to lead with responsibility, inclusivity and purpose, urging them to work alongside university management to sustain peace, strengthen student welfare and maintain a conducive learning environment across the institution.

The NELFUND scheme, established by the Federal Government, provides loans to eligible students in Nigerian tertiary institutions to cover tuition and other educational expenses. The MOUAU directive reflects a broader institutional effort to ensure students benefit fully from the scheme rather than bearing double financial obligations where fees were paid ahead of loan disbursement.