By Njoku Chijioke
Over 3,100 students of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) have benefitted from the federal government’s loan scheme through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Fahad Abdullahi, president of the university’s Student Union Government (SUG), revealed this during an interview in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Abdullahi explained that the 3,100 beneficiaries represent approximately 12% of the 25,000 students who applied for the loan.
A total of N256 million was disbursed by NELFUND to cover school fees for around 3,300 students, along with providing them with upkeep allowances.
He further stated that the student union had ramped up efforts to raise awareness about the loan program.
This included collaboration with NELFUND to address challenges hindering smooth applications, such as the absence of certain banks on the application portal and the lack of options to correct errors in submitted forms.
One of the beneficiaries, Adetoye Olubunmi, commended the initiative, noting that it would provide valuable opportunities for students to advance their education and excel academically.
However, Mohammed Hassan attributed the scheme’s low participation rate to students’ reluctance to embrace loans, preferring sponsorships that do not require repayment.
Hassan emphasized the need for more extensive sensitization to increase awareness and encourage greater participation in the program.
