UNIZIK Urges Swift NELFUND Registration as Only 4% of 66,000 Students Enroll Amid Low South-East Uptake

In a pressing circular dated September 11, 2025, Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh, Chairman of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) NELFUND Committee, decried the alarmingly low uptake of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme among students.

Despite the university successfully uploading data for 66,000 students to the NELFUND portal, a mere 4% have bothered to register, leaving thousands of indigent undergraduates at risk of financial barriers to completing their studies.

"It's disheartening that only about 4% of UNIZIK students have registered for this NELFUND despite the university uploading 66,000 students' data to the NELFUND's Portal," Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh stated in the memo addressed to the university community. He emphasized that the institution has fulfilled its obligations, shifting the onus to students to seize this zero-interest, no-collateral opportunity designed specifically to support those struggling to fund their education.

The loan initiative, part of a broader national effort, allows for tuition fees to be paid directly to the university while providing a monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000 deposited into students' bank accounts— with ongoing discussions for a potential increase. Repayment terms remain flexible and will be addressed post-graduation, underscoring the scheme's focus on accessibility rather than immediate burden.

Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh highlighted the particularly dismal registration rates in South Eastern states, including Anambra, as a call to action. "South Eastern states have low registration numbers, so let's take advantage of this opportunity," he urged, warning that inaction could exacerbate regional disparities in higher education access.

For support, students are directed to contact key personnel:

Mr. Ifemeka, Desk Officer (0806 697 2000);

Chukwusom Ochuba, SUG President (0706 297 8432);

Mrs. Amaka Nwankwo, NELFUND Secretary (0806 113 4004); Mr. Muotolu Anthony, MICTU (0803 331 1076).

Additional details, including an attached flyer, are available on the NELFUND website at www.nelf.gov.ng, where eligible students can complete registration promptly to avoid missing out on this transformative support.