Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Acting Rector Appeals for Calm Amid NELFUND Protest, Vows Swift Resolution

The Acting Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr. Akanimo Jonah, has called for calm and responsible engagement among students following tensions over the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and related Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerns.

The appeal came on Monday, February 2, 2026, during a meeting with student body representatives aimed at addressing grievances, restoring confidence in institutional processes, and preventing campus unrest.

Dr. Jonah acknowledged the financial and emotional strain caused by delays in NELFUND disbursements and assured students that management is actively engaging the ICPC to resolve the matter promptly and fairly. “We are not insensitive to what our students are going through. These are challenging times, and the NELFUND crisis has compounded existing difficulties. Management will ensure swift and transparent resolution,” he said.

He stressed that while students have a constitutional right to protest, such actions must remain peaceful and constructive. “This institution stands for discipline, dialogue, and intellectual engagement. Violence or disruption undermines the very cause you seek to defend,” Dr. Jonah added.

Pastor Ibanga Nathaniel, NELFUND Desk Officer, expressed frustration over ICPC’s frequent interventions despite the Polytechnic’s compliance with all obligations. He urged students to rely on official channels for updates and avoid misinformation.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Unyime Udoudo, reiterated management’s commitment to student welfare and encouraged patience, cooperation, and active engagement with sensitization efforts.

Student leaders welcomed the intervention. Rt. Hon. Winner Archibong, Speaker of the Students’ Union Parliament, and Senator God’sgift Udoakang, President of NIDSUG, commended management’s open dialogue and called on students to maintain peace. “Peace is our strength, and dialogue is our weapon,” they emphasized.

The meeting brought together the Acting Rector, Dean of Student Affairs, NELFUND Desk Officer, Chief Security Officer, SUG and NIDSUG executives, and a representative of the SPI.