MAPOLY DSA Gives Update On NELFUND as Students Demand Transparency, Process

… Assures Students’ Safety, Authenticity
… Says Only Freshers, FT Students Can Access Loan

Fawaz Adebisi

The Director of Students’ Affairs, DSA of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta, has provided key updates regarding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND while addressing concerns raised by students about transparency and accessibility.

Dr Aninkan, in an exclusive interview with Press Club MAPOLY, PCM, revealed some updates including measures and challenges the institution is facing and trying to solve concerning the students’ loan.

There have been questions surrounding the loan, with students demanding transparency and inclusivity.

Speaking with PCM, the DSA revealed that “as of today,” over 500 students have applied for the loan, with a total of over ₦47 million already allocated. 

Speaking on measures taken to streamline the process and improve accessibility, the DSA, who also serves as the chairman of the NELFUND Mobilization Committee, stressed that the committee is working on several initiatives which include the appointment of NELFUND desk officers in all schools.

In his words, the desk officers will assist students in addressing any application-related issues as there are plans to enhance internet facilities across the institution to facilitate seamless application processes.

Also, he said further advocacy efforts are also underway as the committee, in collaboration with Dr. Wasiu Tejuoso, Head of the Mass Communication Department, has planned to design advertorial billboards to provide clearer information on the loan application. 

He said this was to make every student aware, adding that “these will be placed at strategic locations, including the Mass Communication Department and the institution’s main gate. Moreover, each faculty will have branded flex banners to further promote awareness of the loan scheme.”

To also strengthen advocacy, he said the committee has urged lecturers and Heads of Departments, HODs, to actively encourage students to apply for the loan. 

In the same vein, to ensure smooth processing, the committee is also working on establishing a National Identity Management Commission, NIMC center on campus, allowing students to obtain their National Identification Numbers, NIN, without hassle. He added that discussions are also ongoing to attract banks to set up a presence within the school, as having a functional bank account is a prerequisite for the loan application. 

Dr Aninkan also said that discussions are underway to make students receive notifications regarding their school fee payments through the loan disbursement without having to panic.

However, the institution clarified that as long as a student receives the monthly stipend from NELFUND, their school fees have been covered. Also, he said the management is working on refund processes for students who had already paid their tuition before securing the loan.

Speaking on eligibility of students who can apply for the loan, the loan committee chairman emphasized that only fresh National Diploma, ND1, students with matric number and Higher National Diploma, HND1, students with matric number who are full-time students are eligible for the loan.

He stressed that final-year students, including those in ND2 and HND2, do not qualify as well as part-time students, although he said there might be future considerations by  NELFUND in the future.

Speaking on the major challenge the institution is facing concerning the loan, the DSA, lamented that many students lack awareness of the loan process and remain skeptical about providing their details, particularly their NINs. 

However, he reassured students that their NINs cannot be exploited for fraudulent activities as the system ensures data protection.

The DSA therefore assured students that the process remains authentic and secure, adding that the committee includes the Students’ Union Government, SUG, President as a member, ensuring student representation in decision-making.