NELFUND National Sensitisation: UNIUYO Hosts Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has hosted the National Sensitisation Programme on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, called for sustained stakeholder engagement and increased awareness of the student financing scheme.

The programme was held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the 1,000-Seater TETFund Auditorium, University of Uyo Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, under the theme, “Expanding Access to Higher Education through Sustainable Student Financing.”

The event brought together members of the National Assembly, university administrators, representatives of state governments, student leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector to deepen understanding of NELFUND and promote wider access to sustainable student financing.

Speaking at the programme, Senator Muntari, who chaired the occasion, said the sensitisation exercise was part of efforts to ensure that the Federal Government’s student loan initiative was properly understood and effectively utilised across tertiary institutions.

He noted that sustained engagement with stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones would improve awareness, strengthen institutional collaboration and expand access to higher education financing for Nigerian students.

The Senate Committee Chairman also stressed the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries understand both the opportunities provided through NELFUND and their responsibilities under the scheme, particularly loan repayment, which he described as essential to its long-term sustainability.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher N. Ekong, expressed the University’s commitment to Federal Government initiatives aimed at improving access to higher education and reducing the financial barriers confronting students.

Prof. Ekong commended the Federal Government and the National Assembly for establishing NELFUND, noting that sustainable student financing would help expand access to tertiary education and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing their educational aspirations.

He added that the scheme had provided eligible students with greater access to funding for school fees, thereby easing some of the financial pressures associated with tertiary education.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the Senate Committee and NELFUND of the University’s readiness to support the effective implementation of the programme.

A paper titled “Addressing the High Unemployment Paradox in Repayments of NELFUND Loans” was presented by the Director of Human Resources, NELFUND, Dr. Zino Ugboma.

The presentation examined the relationship between graduate unemployment and the repayment of NELFUND loans, highlighting the importance of employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in enabling beneficiaries to meet their repayment obligations.

Dr. Ugboma disclosed that the Federal Government had committed substantial funds to the NELFUND scheme for disbursement to eligible students. He therefore called on university managements to ensure transparent and effective implementation so that the funds achieve their intended purpose.

A panel discussion also provided an interactive platform for stakeholders to examine issues surrounding student financing, the sustainability of NELFUND, implementation challenges, graduate employment and loan repayment.

The panel was moderated by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. Other panellists were Senator Anthony Ani; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof. Leo Daniel; the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), represented by Comrade Usen Johnson; and the Students’ Union President of the University of Uyo, Comrade Utibe Afia.

The discussion provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives on NELFUND implementation, graduate employment and loan repayment, while emphasising the need for stronger collaboration among government, tertiary institutions and students.

South-South Governors Send Goodwill Messages

Goodwill messages were received from the governors of the three South-South states.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh.

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by his Executive Assistant, Dr. Okoh Ezekiel Oghene-Tega, while the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, was represented by his Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Enyia.

Members of the Senate Committee who attended included Senator Pam Mwadkon, Senator Plang Diket, Senator Rev. Amos Yohanna, Senator Kelvin Chukwu and Senator Tony Nwoye. Also present was the Senator representing Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson.

The University of Uyo Management Team at the event comprised the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Iniobong Uko; Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mrs. Blossom E. Okorie; Bursar, Dr. Moses Akpan; and University Librarian, Dr. Thomas Adigun.

The event also had in attendance the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon, JP, members of the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council and other dignitaries.