Edo Polytechnic Lifts Fee Proof Requirement for NELFUND Applicants

Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has lifted the requirement for students to present proof of fee payment during exams for those applying for student loans through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The announcement was made by the institution’s rector, Sylvester Omoruyi, at a sensitization event organized by NELFUND at the polytechnic’s main campus on Tuesday.

Omoruyi stated that the policy of checking payment slips during exams would no longer apply. Instead, students’ registration status would be verified through the NELFUND portal. “If you are registered, you will not be asked to leave the exam hall,” he explained.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for launching the initiative and thanked the Edo State government for its support. He also commended NELFUND for alleviating the financial challenges faced by Nigerian students by covering school fees and providing allowances.

However, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, voiced concerns that the polytechnic had not yet submitted the required student data to begin the loan registration process. Represented by Lami Suwaid, Director of Loan Allocation and Distribution, Sawyerr urged the institution to ensure students register during the 2024/2025 academic cycle. “In the 2023/2024 session, we enrolled 259 institutions and disbursed billions of naira to students,” he said, highlighting the importance of wider participation.

Sawyerr also noted that institutions in the South-South and South-East regions had lower registration rates, urging improvement in those areas.

Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Edo State Commissioner for Education, emphasized the state’s commitment to collaborating with NELFUND to further support students. “Every Edo child must have access to education,” he stated. Iyamu reassured students that with NELFUND, they would no longer need to rely on overseas family support. “With dedication and commitment, NELFUND gives you the platform to succeed,” he said.

Oboh Victor, a Business Administration student at the polytechnic, expressed enthusiasm for the loan scheme, saying many students were excited about the opportunity to pursue their education without financial barriers.