AKSU Acting VC Encourages Students to Leverage Federal Government’s NELFUND Programme
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has urged students to fully embrace the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a transformative opportunity to finance their education.
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The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has urged students to fully embrace the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a transformative opportunity to finance their education.
He made the appeal during the university’s first Parents/Stakeholders’ Forum on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Main Campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin LGA.
Highlighting the institution’s steady growth, Prof. Akpan noted major achievements under his leadership, including the establishment of four new faculties. He stressed that the NELFUND initiative is designed to eliminate financial barriers by providing loans and grants to eligible students across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and approved vocational institutions. The funds cover tuition, institutional charges, and living expenses.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the repayment structure is flexible and employment-based, with graduates allowed a grace period after NYSC. Repayment only begins once employment is secured, while unemployed graduates will have their repayment automatically deferred until employed.
Prof. Akpan also expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his continued support and affirmed that AKSU remains strategically aligned with the state’s ARISE Agenda. He announced that the Parents/Stakeholders’ Forum will be held annually moving forward.
Speaking at the forum, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Iniobong Umotong; University Librarian, Prof. Nse E. Akwang; and Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Usoro, commended the Acting VC for launching the maiden forum. They emphasized the need for academic units to intensify sensitization, ensuring all eligible students benefit from NELFUND.
Parents, stakeholders, and student union representatives expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention by the Federal Government. The Registrar and Secretary to Senate, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, encouraged parents to motivate their wards to take full advantage of the programme.
Also present were the Head of Campus, Obio Akpa; Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Jemimah Ekanem; other Deans and Heads of Departments; Directors; teaching and non-teaching staff; and community leaders, including village heads, elders, and clergy.
