Edo Poly suspends exam fee checks for NELFUND applicants

Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has suspended its policy requiring students to present proof of fee payment during examinations for those applying for student loans through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Rector Sylvester Omoruyi made the announcement during a NELFUND sensitization program at the polytechnic’s main campus in Usen on Tuesday.

“The days of driving students out of exams for unpaid fees are over. If you have registered on the NELFUND portal, you won’t need to show payment slips,” Omoruyi said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the scheme and commended the Edo State government for its support. He also lauded NELFUND for easing students’ financial burdens through tuition and upkeep allowances.

However, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr, represented by Director of Loan Allocation and Distribution Lami Suwaid, expressed concern that the polytechnic had yet to submit student data to begin the registration process.

He urged the institution to take advantage of the 2024/2025 registration cycle to ensure mass student enrollment in the scheme.

“During the 2023/2024 session, NELFUND enrolled 259 institutions and disbursed billions of naira to students,” Sawyerr said, noting that the South-South and South-East regions had the lowest registration rates.

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the scheme and ensuring that every Edo child has access to education.

“You don’t need to rely on family members abroad for school fees anymore. With NELFUND, you have the platform to achieve your dreams,” Iyamu said.

Oboh Victor, a Business Administration student, expressed excitement about the loan, stating that many students were eager to utilize the opportunity to complete their education without financial struggles.