From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashere (FUK), Professor Umar Pate, has commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, describing it as one of the most transformative interventions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Speaking during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university premises on Tuesday, Professor Pate disclosed that a total of 8,266 students of the institution have so far benefited from the NELFUND scheme, with disbursements amounting to N1.73 billion. He explained that the funds were released for service charges and monthly upkeep, aimed at easing the financial burdens on students and enhancing access to uninterrupted academic activities.
“This is one of the best things that has happened to Nigerian students in recent times,” the Vice-Chancellor declared. He further applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government for the implementation of the student loan scheme, stating that the initiative reflects a renewed commitment to inclusive and sustainable human capital development.
The announcement comes ahead of the university’s upcoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th convocation ceremony, where it is expected to graduate thousands of students across various academic disciplines.
Meanwhile, the NELFUND initiative, which was formally launched by the federal government to offer interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions, aims to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates caused by financial hardship.