Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has suspended its policy requiring students to present proof of fee payment during examinations, specifically for those applying for student loans through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens on students and promote access to education. Rector Sylvester Omoruyi made the announcement during a sensitization program organized by NELFUND at the polytechnic’s main campus in Usen.
He emphasized that the institution will no longer check payment slips, instead verifying registration on the NELFUND portal.Omoruyi praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the NELFUND scheme and commended the Edo State government for its support.
He also applauded NELFUND for easing the financial burden on Nigerian students through school fee coverage and upkeep allowances.However, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, expressed concern that the polytechnic was yet to submit student data to formally commence the loan registration process.
He urged the institution to take advantage of the new registration cycle for the 2024/2025 academic session.During the 2023/2024 session, NELFUND enrolled 259 institutions and disbursed billions of naira to students. Despite this success, Sawyerr noted that institutions in the South-South and South-East regions had the lowest registration rates, calling for increased participation.
Commissioner for Education, Edo State, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with NELFUND to improve access to education. He emphasized that every Edo child deserves access to education, and NELFUND provides a platform for students to achieve their dreams.Iyamu added that with NELFUND’s intervention, students would no longer rely on family members abroad for financial support.
Instead, they can focus on their studies and utilize the loan scheme to pursue their education without financial hindrance.Oboh Victor, a Business Administration student at Edo Polytechnic, expressed excitement about the loan scheme, stating that many students are eager to utilize the opportunity.
This development is expected to have a positive impact on student enrollment and academic performance.Key Phrases: Edo Polytechnic Student Loan
