The University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Delta State, has formally acknowledged the receipt of ₦752,906,800 from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session. The acknowledgement, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Stella C. Chiemeke (PhD) KSM, FNCS, and dated 24th March 2026, was addressed to the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND. The letter confirms that the funds were disbursed across 13 tranches and are meant to cover the tuition and statutory charges of 3,707 student beneficiaries.
This formal acknowledgement marks a significant milestone. It demonstrates growing institutional confidence in the Federal Government’s student loan initiative and reflects NELFUND’s expanding national reach.
How the ₦752.9 Million Was Disbursed to UNIDEL Students
The funds did not arrive in a single transfer. According to the acknowledgement letter, NELFUND released the money in 13 separate batches between December 2025 and March 2026. The first tranche of ₦270,612,750 was disbursed on 30th December 2025, covering 1,285 students. Subsequent batches followed through January, February, and early March 2026. The final tranche of ₦25,881,100 arrived on 9th March 2026 for 127 students.
The disbursement was carried out in multiple tranches to ensure seamless support for student beneficiaries. This phased approach is consistent with how NELFUND operates across Nigeria. All funds are directed specifically at institutional charges, including tuition fees and statutory levies.
In her letter, Prof. Chiemeke expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff, and students of the university. She described the disbursement as a step toward expanding access to quality higher education and reducing financial barriers for students. She also pledged the institution’s continued cooperation with NELFUND and the Federal Government.
NELFUND’s Broader Impact Across Nigeria and Delta State
The UNIDEL disbursement is part of a much larger national effort. NELFUND has disbursed more than ₦206 billion to students across Nigeria, reaching over 1.16 million beneficiaries in 270 tertiary institutions within 23 months of its establishment by President Bola Tinubu. Of that total, ₦128.84 billion was paid directly to institutions to cover tuition fees, while ₦77.45 billion was distributed to students as upkeep allowances.
Across Delta State, institutions have been active participants in the scheme. The fund disclosed in February 2026 that it disbursed almost ₦400 million in student loans to Delta State University, Abraka. The Delta State Government also launched compliance monitoring exercises, with the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, leading a high-level monitoring team to assess NELFUND implementation across institutions including the University of Delta, Agbor.
NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, was honoured at UNIDEL’s maiden convocation ceremony on 21st February 2026, receiving an Award of Recognition alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and NELFUND Board Chairman Jim Ovia. The gesture underscored the strong relationship between the institution and the fund’s leadership.
On the broader eligibility framework, the scheme is available to Nigerian students studying in federal higher institutions, including public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational schools. Students can apply for the loan in each academic cycle, and repayment begins two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
What This Means for Students at the University of Delta
For the 3,707 UNIDEL students who are beneficiaries, this disbursement means uninterrupted access to their academic programmes. Financial pressure remains one of the leading causes of student dropout in Nigerian universities. By covering tuition and statutory charges, NELFUND enables students to focus on their studies rather than scrambling to pay fees.
The funding is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on beneficiaries, ensuring that thousands of students can continue their academic pursuits without disruption. The development aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand access to higher education through its student loan initiative under the Renewed Hope agenda.
UNIDEL’s prompt and transparent acknowledgement of the disbursement also sends a reassuring message to students and parents. It confirms that the funds have been officially received and documented, and that the institution remains committed to accountability in the management of public education financing.
Established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, NELFUND was enacted into law by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024. The initiative provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses, aiming to increase access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds
