Education

NELFUND: Education Minister reacts to alleged deduction of student loans by universities

Published

5 months ago

May 2, 2025

Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Olatunji Alausa

The Ministry of Education has announced that it is investigating allegations of unauthorised deductions from students’ loans and NELFund accounts by universities.

The ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, in a statement, said that an urgent meeting has been scheduled for 6 May 2025 with the vice chancellors of the affected universities and the Managing Director of NELFund.

Recall that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, had also revealed an ongoing investigation into NELFund.

The statement from the Ministry read:
“The Federal Ministry of Education has received with deep concern a report published by The Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, alleging some Nigerian universities to have made unauthorized deductions from funds disbursed under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Olatunji Alausa, described the allegations as ‘very disturbing and extremely concerning,’ emphasizing that any unauthorized deductions from student loans not only breach financial ethics but also undermine the very foundation upon which NELFund was established. He stated that if proven true, such actions would constitute a gross violation of public trust and a betrayal of the government’s commitment to equitable access to education.

“As part of our National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI), governance remains the top pillar of our agenda,” Dr. Alausa said. “We are committed to strengthening transparency, promoting responsible financial conduct, and ensuring that every kobo allocated for student welfare is used appropriately. Let me assure Nigerians that this matter will not be swept under the carpet. Anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.”

“Dr. Alausa further emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who established NELFund as a flagship initiative, made adequate budgetary provisions to support both students and institutions in a fair and transparent manner.”NELFund was created to expand students’ access to high-quality education and to support universities financially in a legal and sustainable way. Any attempt to exploit this fund is unacceptable and contradicts the President’s vision for inclusive human capital development.

“The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that students receive the full benefits of all government education support schemes.

“In response, the Ministry is convening an urgent meeting on May 6, 2025, with the Vice Chancellors of the affected universities and the Managing Director of NELFund. The meeting will aim to thoroughly investigate the matter, ensure full accountability, and reaffirm the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward financial malpractice in the education sector.

“To reinforce this effort, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Athena Centre, will launch a compliance-tracking initiative and a countdown webpage to monitor institutional transparency. They will also offer technical assistance and introduce an Annual University Transparency Index to promote accountability and enhance the global relevance of Nigerian universities.

“Additionally, a training programme will be organised for bursars and ICT heads of universities and polytechnics on the development and maintenance of an open-portal initiative.”

Education

68 inmates in Kano pass 2025 NECO exam

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Nigerian Correctional Service in Kano State has announced that 68 inmates successfully passed the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by NECO.

In a statement released by the Service, the inmates described the achievement as life-changing. They said it gives them a chance to rebuild their lives and hope for a better future.

According to the Correctional Service, the success was made possible with the support of the Kano State Government, which sponsored the educational programs for the inmates.

“This initiative is in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, which focuses on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates through education and vocational training,” the statement read.

The Kano State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to providing educational opportunities for inmates so they can return to society as responsible citizens.

Officials noted that this effort is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to improve the lives of all Nigerians, including those serving prison terms.

Education

UNILAG faculty president drowns in Lagos beach

Published

6 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has been thrown into deep mourning following the untimely death of Balogun Damilola, the President of the Faculty of Education.

According to multiple social media reports, the tragedy occurred on Saturday, September 20, 2025, when Damilola was swept away by a strong wave during a beach outing in Lagos.

Witnesses said the student leader, popularly known as Ayanfe Eledumare, was attempting a backflip near the shoreline while recording a video when he was suddenly pulled into the sea. Efforts to save him reportedly failed, and his body was discovered the following morning at Museyo Beach, Ibeju-Lekki, about two kilometres from where the incident took place.

The devastating news has triggered an outpouring of grief across the UNILAG community, with students and friends paying tribute to Damilola’s vibrant personality and promising leadership.

He had only recently assumed office as Faculty President after serving as Vice President the previous year.
One of his close associates and former roommate, identified on X as Doyindoski, wrote: “He was my roommate. Always brought Lacoco and the likes to the room. A real vibe, man. And bro just became the President of his faculty… RIP Balogun Damilola.”

As of Monday afternoon, the university authorities and local security agencies were yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Education

SEE DOCUMENTS: IMO STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE IMO STATE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION BOARD COMMENCES PUBLICATION OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS’ NAMES. [SEE FULL LIST FOR ISIALA MBANO LGA]

Published

11 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
22- SEPT- 2025

The Imo State Government, through the Imo State Universal Education Board has officially released the names of prospective teachers who have been shortlisted for employment consideration after completion of upcoming mandatory training exercise.

This development follows the oral directives of the Governor, conveyed through the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, mandating the immediate publication of the names.

In compliance with this directive, the Ministry of Information has facilitated the successful publication of shortlisted names commencing with Isiala Mbano LGA in the Statesman Newspaper. This publication serves as the official notification to all candidates whose names appear on the list.

Notably, all listed candidates are required to report to the Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, beginning from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, by 10:00 AM daily for one week, to undergo accreditation and briefing in preparation for a 6-week intensive training program.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be duly considered for formal employment as teachers across primary and secondary schools in the state.