Bayero University Kano has received ₦3.039 billion in institutional charges from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund on behalf of 27,640 students, as the scheme continues to expand access to higher education across the country.

The figures were disclosed by the university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, during a courtesy visit by NELFUND Director General Akintunde Sawyerr and his delegation to the Abubakar Rashid Senate Building at BUK New Site.

Professor Musa provided a session by session breakdown of the disbursements, revealing that 113 students benefitted in the 2023/2024 academic session, with ₦1.494 billion paid as institutional charges. The figure rose sharply in the 2024/2025 session, with 14,539 students receiving ₦1.545 billion.

"In total, 27,640 students of Bayero University Kano have benefitted from the NELFUND scheme, with institutional charges amounting to ₦3.039 billion, excluding living costs paid directly to beneficiaries," Professor Musa stated.

The Vice Chancellor commended the loan scheme for broadening access to tertiary education, noting that it had enabled many Nigerians who might otherwise have been unable to enrol to pursue higher education. He acknowledged, however, that some students had encountered difficulties during the application and disbursement process on the NELFUND portal and expressed confidence that the visiting team would address those concerns.

Sawyerr confirmed that the visit was both a courtesy call and a platform to deepen collaboration with the institution. He assured the university that issues raised by students would be reviewed with the aim of simplifying application and reapplication processes.

He also urged the university to ensure its portal was opened on time to allow students to apply early and receive their upkeep allowances without unnecessary delays.

The visit reflects NELFUND's broader effort to strengthen relationships with universities and resolve operational bottlenecks that have slowed disbursements in some institutions. With the 2024/2025 session recording a 100 fold increase in the number of BUK beneficiaries compared to the previous session, the scheme appears to be gaining significant traction among students seeking financial support for their education.