NELFUND TAKES IT’S CAMPAIGN TO PORT HARCOURT 20-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu. In continuation of its advocacy for increased enrollment for the student loan scheme in the southern part of the country, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has taken its campaign to Port Harcourt.
During the Strategic Engagement and Sensitization Campaign on operations of the Fund at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, the Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr raised concerns over the low student loan application from the University.
He said a recent internal review revealed a low registration rate of 1,500 out of a student population of about forty thousand.
Represented by the Director Administration, Dr. Zino Ugboma
Mr. Sawyer stated that the data necessitated the visit to discuss, identify and resolve the issues.
“We want to know what the problem is, the money is there. It’s meant to be disbursed to these young people. Let us work together to solve this,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Victor Akujuru, acknowledged a troubling gap in student engagement and pledged transparency and collaboration to address the issue.
“We are again grateful for flagging our university’s situation and for taking the time to look in on us to find out why we are lagging behind.
“I must admit that the figures are quite a difference, 1,500 out of a nearly 40,000 student capacity is a concern.
“In a show of readiness to confront the problem, the Vice Chancellor had specifically requested the attendance of the Director of ICT and the head of student affairs.
“Their presence is a signal of the university’s preparedness to both explain the challenges and seek solutions,” he affirmed.
The university’s Director of ICT, Professor Sunny Orike, emphasised that the application process involved multiple steps which many students failed to follow through.
“We communicate and share ideas on our platform. We’ve designated a space in the city centre where students can come in and engage with our systems.
“And we are committed to making that experience seamless, consistent, and accessible,” he said.
To address the gaps, he said the ICT team is preparing a more structured approach to ensure that students are not left on their own during key academic processes.
He added that the institution had set up designated systems and spaces where staff could directly assist students in real time.
“We don’t want them doing it alone. We’re planning to tag students, assist with form applications, and ensure compliance with all steps—memo issuance, communication, and follow-through,” he said.
The President, Student Union Government, Rizi Owabie reaffirmed the union’s support for the government-backed funding programme, and emphasised continued efforts to raise awareness among students.