NELFUND authorises loans for 3,283 UI students

The University of Ibadan's administration has verified that 3,283 of the students' loan applications have been approved by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

The management stated that although the loans had been approved, the money had not yet been received in an internal document that was released on Wednesday.

The memo directed department heads to allow students whose loans were accepted to take the first semester exams; it was signed by the institution's registrar, G. O. Salisu.

"In reference to our circular number REG/13/I.26 dated September 13, 2024, I am writing to notify the University of Ibadan community that a list of 3,283 students whose loan applications have been approved has been provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund."

Despite the fact that the money hasn't been received by the university, the list of the affected students has been sent to the departments. All Heads of Departments have been instructed to allow these students to sit for the 2023/2024 first-semester examinations.

The memo stated, "This is for information and strict compliance by staff and students."

After the university governing council approved the management's increase in tuition fees, students at the University of Ibadan started to demonstrate.

The council's secretary, G.O. Saliu, is believed to have sent out a circular last Thursday that set off the protests, which started last Friday at midnight.

"Considered the reviewed schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students in the 2023/2024 academic session and approved it as recommended by the university Senate," the acquired circular said, following a meeting on Thursday.

"Therefore, students who have not yet paid and finished their registration exercises are advised to do so by Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the latest, to enable departments to download lists of registered students in advance of the first-semester examination," the statement continued.