The Bayelsa State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on the Federal Government to review the eligibility criteria of its Student Loan Fund Scheme to allow more students and institutions to benefit.
This call follows an investigative visit to Niger Delta University (NDU), Amasoma, where the NOA assessed how the scheme is being implemented.
The assessment, which involved interviews and group discussions with academic, administrative, and bursary staff, found that while the application process is generally transparent, there were concerns about the disbursement of funds. Some students reportedly experienced incomplete payment of school fees by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The NOA, however, said it found no evidence of data falsification, bribery, collusion, or any form of ethnic or religious discrimination during the process.
The agency acknowledged the positive impact of the loan scheme so far but noted that policy adjustments are needed to make it more effective and accessible.
