Sokoto State University VC Reports Surge in Resumption Rates and Student Academic Focus

The Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU), Professor Muhammad Bello Yerima, has highlighted the transformative impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) on the institution’s academic stability.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the timely disbursement of student loans has led to a noticeable increase in student resumption rates and a renewed academic focus across campus. 

As of early 2026, Sokoto State University has emerged as a major beneficiary of the federal loan scheme. Recent disbursements for the 2025/2026 academic session include:

Total Tuition Support: Over ₦172.2 million disbursed in December 2025 to cover institutional fees for 3,616 students.

Batch Breakdown: ₦89.1 million for Batch A (1,854 students) and ₦83.1 million for Batch B (1,762 students).

Previous Support: This builds on over ₦74 million received earlier in 2025 to offset registration fees for hundreds of beneficiaries. 

Professor Yerima noted that by removing the immediate burden of tuition, students have been able to return to campus more promptly after breaks. The availability of monthly upkeep allowances—estimated at ₦20,000—has further stabilized the student population, allowing them to prioritize lectures and research over financial survival. 

"With the release of these funds, students have found renewed motivation to pursue their academic goals with greater mental stability," the university noted in its assessment of the scheme’s impact. 

For students yet to benefit, NELFUND has officially extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from January 31 to February 27, 2026. Eligible students are encouraged to apply via the official NELFUND portal to ensure they do not miss out on this session's funding.