The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concern over the low number of student loan applications from Rivers State University.
Speaking during a strategic engagement and sensitisation campaign on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, represented by Dr. Zino Ugboma, Director of Administration, revealed that while the University of Port Harcourt recorded about 3,000 applications, Rivers State University had only 1,500.
“For a university, we have up to 4,000 applicants, people who have registered to this team.
At the University of Port Harcourt, we have up to 3,000 people who have registered to this team. And then for Rivers State University, we have approximately 1,500 applicants.” Ugboma said.
In response, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Akujuru, admitted the gap and pledged collaboration to improve participation.
Director of ICT, Prof. Sunny Orike, attributed the low figures to incomplete application processes by students and outlined plans to strengthen support services and designated assistance centres.
Also speaking, Student Union Government President, Rizi Owabie, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to increasing awareness and encouraging students to take advantage of the interest-free loan scheme.
