NELFUND Approves Loans for 3,283 University of Ibadan Students

The University of Ibadan (UI) has announced that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved loan applications for 3,283 of its students. This significant development was communicated through an internal memo issued by the university’s Registrar, G.O. Salisu, on Wednesday.

The memo, which was also circulated to department heads, highlighted that while the loan approvals were confirmed, the funds had not yet been received by the institution. In light of this, Salisu instructed all Heads of Departments to allow the affected students to sit for their first-semester examinations for the 2023/2024 academic session.

“Further to our circular number REG/13/I.26 of 13 September 2024, I write to inform the University of Ibadan community that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided a list of 3,283 students whose loan applications have been approved,” the memo stated. “Although the funds have not yet been received by the university, the list of the affected students has been sent to the departments. All Heads of Departments have been instructed to allow these students to sit for the 2023/2024 first-semester examinations.”

This update follows recent student protests at UI regarding a tuition fee hike endorsed by the university's governing council. The demonstrations began last Friday night, triggered by a circular from the council's secretary, G.O. Saliu, which approved a revised schedule of levies for the 2023/2024 academic session.

The circular stated that students were advised to complete their registration and payment by Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to facilitate the preparation for the first-semester examinations.

This development highlights ongoing financial and administrative challenges faced by students at the University of Ibadan as they navigate the complexities of tuition fees and educational funding.