Edo govt queries AAU VC over alleged students’ failure to access NELFUND loans

By Jethro Ibileke

The Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Professor Eunice Omonzejie, has been issued a query by the Edo State Government over the alleged failure of students of the university to access the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The query titled, “Implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)”, and dated June 24, 2026, was signed by one Omionawele P. O., on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of education.

It expressed worry that in the 2025/2026 academic session, no student from the school has benefited from the ₦242 billion disbursed so far by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the NELFUND programme.

“I am directed to refer to the above subject and to express the ministry’s displeasure over the implementation of NELFUND in your university.

“For the purpose of clarity, as of the 2025/2026 academic session available record shows that no student from your university have benefited from the over Two Hundred and Forty-Two Billion (₦242,000,000,000,00) Naira disbursed so far by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the NELFUND programme.

“The Ministry is willing to know the challenge (s) faced by your students in accessing the loan and the action (s) taken by your university in resolving these challenges.

“Your response is expected to reach the ministry on or before 10th July 2026 to enable us revert and adequately brief His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State.Treat with the urgency it deserves,” the letter said.

While urging the Vice Chancellor to treat the letter with the urgency it deserves, the ministry said her response is expected to reach the ministry on or before July 10, 2026.

It added that meeting up with the stipulated deadline by the Vice Chancellor would enable the ministry to revert and adequately brief the Governor of the State, Monday Okpebholo.