By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Rivers State, Nigeria, has publicly thanked the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) after receiving ₦990.4 million to cover tuition for students enrolled in the 2025/2026 academic session under the federal student loan programme. The institution’s management conveyed its appreciation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, for the funds, which will benefit 6,662 students across various faculties.
The payment is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand access to higher education by easing financial barriers for eligible undergraduates through the NELFUND initiative. IAUE officials noted that the disbursement will help ensure students continue their studies without interruption and reduce the burden of out‑of‑pocket tuition payments on families.
University administrators also called on the federal agency to sustain and improve the student loan programme, stressing that predictable funding is crucial for academic continuity and for strengthening Nigeria’s human capital development.
Education analysts say that timely loan disbursements to institutions not only support students financially but also contribute to improved retention and graduation rates, particularly in public universities where limited funding often hinders academic progress.
The NELFUND programme is one component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to make tertiary education more accessible and affordable in the face of rising tuition costs and economic challenges.
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