The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said no fewer than 3,000 students of the institution have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
Oladiji made this known on Friday while addressing journalists ahead of the university’s 36th convocation ceremony in Akure.
She explained that the Federal Government’s initiative has significantly eased the financial burden on many students, allowing them to focus more on their academic pursuits.
According to her, the university management has been actively sensitising students about the loan scheme to ensure more of them benefit from the interest-free facility introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Talking about NELFUND, as we speak, over 3,000 students have benefitted from the loan scheme. Even the President of the Students’ Union can confirm the figure. The portal has been reopened, and we are encouraging more students to apply.
“We are also assisting others through proper guidance and documentation to ensure they benefit from the next phase. However, the level of awareness among students remains low.
“Many students still question why they should go to school on credit, so the reluctance to apply is not because the government is failing, but because of their perception of the scheme.
“The level of awareness and willingness to apply are what determine the current figures, not lack of government commitment,” she added.
The VC commended President Tinubu for establishing the loan scheme, describing it as a landmark policy that promotes inclusiveness and access to higher education.
Oladiji reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting policies that enhance student welfare and academic excellence.
Speaking on the forthcoming convocation, the VC revealed that a total of 2,747 students will be graduating, with 240 earning First Class honours.
She further disclosed that 1,479 students will graduate with Second Class (Upper Division), 912 with Second Class (Lower Division), and 116 with Third Class honours.
According to her, a student from the Department of Civil Engineering, Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 out of 5.0.
Oladiji further revealed that in the postgraduate category, the institution will confer 867 higher degrees, including 86 Postgraduate Diplomas, 627 Master’s degrees, and 154 PhDs.
She described FUTA as a key player in the global academic arena, adding that the institution continues to live up to its reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of technological excellence.
“FUTA is firming up its reputation as a leading research-intensive university and a foremost citadel of excellence in technological education, tailored to meet the emerging challenges of our society and the global community,” the VC said.
