By Kelvin Obambon
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Monday, held a crucial sensitization and stakeholders engagement meeting in Calabar, with the theme, “Expanding Access to Higher Education: The role and Impact of NELFUND in Cross River State.”
The event, which was organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, took place at the College of Health Technology, and brought together heads of institutions, ICT directors, and students from across the state.
Kelvin Enyam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, explained the rationale behind the engagement, noting the frequent inquiries from students about financial assistance.
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“I’ve gone round schools across the state. I’ve done a couple of engagements and students often ask questions on how they can access financial help to pay their fees and to aid them in their studies. Therefore, the idea behind this is to provide more access and opportunities for our students to access higher education funding in the state,” Enyam said.
He affirmed the state government’s commitment to education, stating that “His Excellency will continue to partner and collaborate with relevant agencies, authorities, to ensure that access is given to our young persons, to Cross Riverians, most especially, to enable them access education and other opportunities seamlessly.”
Speaking on NELFUND’s impact in the state so far, the Technical Assistant to the Managing Director of NELFUND, Nasir Ayitogo, reeled out data demonstrating the immediate impact of the loan scheme on students in Cross River.
Giving a breakdown of applications received so far for students loans from higher institutions in the state, Ayitogo revealed that the University of Calabar (UNICAL) had 7,434 applicants expecting a disbursement of approximately N711 million, while the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) had 7,530 students applying for about N585 million.
Smaller institutions were also noted, including the Federal College of Education, Obudu, which has 868 applicants anticipating N51.2 million, and Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, with 42 student applications.
Ayitogo emphasized the significant work done to achieve these figures, stating, “If I don’t come up with this impact, I won’t be doing justice to the MD and all the executive directors of NELFUND because they put in so much energy to make this happen.”
He also provided figures for actual disbursements to date. UNICAL – 5,246 students disbursed to the tune of N509 million. UNICROSS – 6,515 students disbursed to the tune of N507 million. FCE, Obudu – 710 students disbursed N49.7 million. Federal Polytechnic, Ugep – 32 students disbursed N1.69 million.
Ayitogo strongly encouraged eligible students to apply, stressing the dual benefit of the loan. “Don’t be afraid. Apply for it and receive it. 20,000 upkeep coming to your account every month. It helps a lot. And your school fees will be paid,” he advised.
The NELFUND official then outlined the critical roles of institutions and students in the loan process, explaining the use of the two platforms – the Student Verification System (SVS) for institutions to onboard student data, and the Student Loan Application System (SLAS) for students to apply.
In her goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, commended the Cross River State Government and NELFUND for convening the sensitization programme aimed at expanding access to higher education.
According to her, “This initiative is timely and strategic, as it provides a structured pathway for students to benefit from sustainable educational financing. At the University of Cross River State, we recognize that funding remains a major barrier to realizing the academic dreams of many young people.
“Programmes such as NELFUND are therefore critical to bridging this gap, enhancing learning outcomes, and promoting inclusion across all strata of society.
“Today’s engagement presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration between tertiary institutions and NELFUND, ensuring that our students and administrators understand the processes, benefits, and obligations associated with the scheme. We are committed to supporting this partnership and ensuring that our students fully embrace the opportunities it offers.”
On her part, the Director of Teaching Practice, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Virginia Ironbar, said the event was an affirmation of “our collective commitment to ensuring that quality higher education is accessible to every young Nigerian, regardless of financial background.”
Dr Ironbar described the theme of the event “Expanding Access to Higher Education: The Role and Impact of NELFUND in Cross River State” as both timely and transformative, especially at a period when many students face significant financial barriers. “NELFUND has emerged as a strategic national response, offering hope, equity, and opportunity to countless learners.”
“As Director of the Teaching Practice Directorate at the University of Calabar, I witness daily the aspirations and resilience of our young people. I also see the challenges they confront. This initiative not only lightens their financial burden but also empowers them to pursue their academic dreams with confidence and dignity,” she said.
Attendees at the event included; Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar; Provost College of Nursing Sciences, Itighidi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Calabar; Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu; registrars, Directors of ICT units; Emmanuel Iwara, NANS Zone B Coordinator, and SUG Presidents of different institutions across the state.
The NELFUND delegation also included; Mr. Eto Eminimoh – Head, Client Support; Ms. Henrietta Albert – Internal Control & Risk Management (ICRM); Mr. Whyte Ibierebo – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and Mr. Solomon Nkanu – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E).
