The institution disclosed that the payment represents the first batch of disbursement under the federal government’s student loan programme aimed at easing access to higher education.
In a statement issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Okechukwu Onuchuku, the university said the intervention has brought considerable relief to students and their families by reducing the financial burden associated with tertiary education.
The university also acknowledged the role played by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the student loan initiative, as well as the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, for facilitating the disbursement.
According to the statement, the financial support is expected to enable thousands of beneficiaries to continue their studies without disruption, while strengthening broader efforts to expand access to university education in Nigeria.
Management of the institution further commended NELFUND for its commitment to improving educational opportunities and supporting the development of the country’s future workforce.
As part of its transparency measures, the university said confirmation of the payment has been published in a newspaper to ensure accountability in the handling of the funds.
It added that the institution remains willing to sustain collaboration with NELFUND to ensure more Nigerian students benefit from opportunities created through the student loan programme.
Read the unedited letter below:
Managing Director/CEO
Nigerian Education Loan Fund
House 12, Plot 103/104,
Monrovia Street, Wuse 2,
Opposite Bon Hotel,
Abuja.
Sir,
APPRECIATION FOR THE 1ST BATCH (IAUEPHSL10) OF NELFUND PAYMENT FOR THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port-Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria, I wish to formally acknowledge and express our profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the release of the 1st Batch (IAUEPHSL10) of payment amounting to ₦990,400,600, representing the fees of 6,662 students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
This timely intervention has brought immense relief to our students and their families, significantly reducing the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education. The initiative has not only provided tangible support but has also instilled renewed hope, motivation, and confidence in our students to pursue their academic dreams without hindrance.
We commend the President and NELFUND’s unwavering commitment to advancing education in Nigeria and recognize the professionalism, dedication, and passion with which your organization continues to empower future generations.
Your collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria in this noble cause is deeply appreciated. As evidence of our transparency in managing the fees process, we have attached a newspaper publication confirming receipt of the payment.
We look forward to continued partnership with NELFUND in ensuring that Nigerian students are given every opportunity to succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Please accept our assurances of highest regards.
Yours faithfully,
Professor Okechuku Onuchuku (DSSRS)
Vice Chancellor,
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education