The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concern over the very low number of students applying for its loan scheme at Rivers State University.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, raised the issue during a Strategic Engagement and Sensitisation Campaign held on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He was represented by Dr Zino Ugboma, Director of Administration at NELFUND.
Sawyerr revealed that out of almost 40,000 students at Rivers State University, only about 1,500 have applied for the education loan, a figure he described as worrying.
He also pointed out that the University of Port Harcourt recorded only 3,000 applications, which is equally low compared to its student population.
He said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the university management to boost student participation in the loan programme.
Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Professor Victor Akujuru, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, acknowledged that the low application rate was a serious concern.
He assured that the university would work closely with NELFUND to find solutions in the coming weeks.
The university’s Director of ICT, Professor Sunny Orike, explained that the loan application process involves several steps, which some students find difficult to complete.
He promised to support students in overcoming these challenges to improve application numbers.
The President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Rizi Owabie, confirmed that the union has been actively spreading information about the loan scheme both formally and informally.
He pledged that the union would increase awareness campaigns to encourage more students to apply for the government-backed loan.
NELFUND’s loan programme is designed to help Nigerian students fund their education. However, the low turnout from Rivers State University raises questions about awareness and accessibility of the scheme among students.
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