The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commended the management of Delta State University Abraka for allowing students under the loan scheme to participate in their first semester 2025/2026 examinations.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Fund praised the university for adopting what it described as a student-friendly directive that supports beneficiaries of the loan programme.

The university had issued an internal memorandum through the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), permitting students whose status on the NELFUND platform shows “Verified” or “Disbursed” to sit for their examinations upon presenting evidence of their NELFUND status.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, described the decision as a commendable example of institutional collaboration in support of Nigerian students.

He said the move reflects a clear understanding of the purpose of the NELFUND scheme, which is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to education because of financial constraints.

“We warmly welcome this student-centered approach by Delta State University. It reflects a clear understanding of the purpose of the NELFUND scheme,” Sawyerr said.

“At NELFUND, we are very pleased to see institutions taking practical, youth-friendly steps that allow students who have successfully completed the application process to continue their academic activities without disruption.”

He added that such initiatives reinforce the broader objective of the programme, which is to expand access to higher education while promoting fairness and inclusivity across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Fund therefore encouraged other universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to adopt similar supportive measures that prioritise students’ academic progress while the loan process continues to provide financial support for tuition and upkeep.

NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with tertiary institutions nationwide to ensure the successful implementation of the student loan programme and to safeguard the educational aspirations of Nigerian students.