The Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Prof. Mohammed Yerima, says regular disbursement of funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has significantly improved student resumption rates, class attendance and academic focus at the institution.
Yerima disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday while reacting to recent loan disbursements to students of the university.
He described the student loan scheme as a major intervention that had reduced financial pressure on students and enhanced learning activities on campus.
The vice-chancellor commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the scheme, noting that the institution previously experienced low resumption rates after holidays due to financial challenges faced by students.
According to him, many students were previously distracted by the need to cater for basic needs, which affected lecture attendance and academic performance.
“For the 2025/2026 academic session, the university received N89.13 million to cover registration fees for 1,854 students under Batch A and N83.08 million for 1,762 students under Batch B. These funds were promptly disbursed to the beneficiaries in line with the guidelines,” Yerima said.
He added that the impact of the intervention was immediate, as students now resumed promptly after holidays and participated fully in lectures, laboratory work and other academic activities.
The vice-chancellor noted that the payment of upkeep allowances had also helped students meet transportation and other basic needs, leading to improved punctuality and structured learning.
Yerima further disclosed that part-time undergraduate students of the university were now benefiting from the scheme following engagement with NELFUND officials.
He said the inclusion had expanded access to education for working-class Nigerians and civil servants seeking flexible study options.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the fund was established to remove financial barriers to higher education and ensure that students focus on learning.
Sawyerr said the improved resumption rates and academic engagement at Sokoto State University reflected the core objectives of the scheme.
He reaffirmed NELFUND’s commitment to timely and transparent disbursement of funds and continued collaboration with tertiary institutions to expand access to education.
