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NOA, NELFUND Uncover Alleged Fraud in Student Loan Disbursements by Nigerian Universities

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NOA, NELFUND Uncover Alleged Fraud in Student Loan Disbursements by Nigerian Universities

NOA and NELFUND have uncovered universities and banks allegedly withholding approved student loans, raising transparency and accountability concerns nationwide.

Investigations by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have revealed alleged unethical practices in the disbursement of the federal government’s student loan fund by several tertiary institutions across the country.

According to the findings released over the weekend, some universities and financial institutions have allegedly conspired to withhold or delay loan disbursements meant for students, raising serious concerns over transparency and accountability in the new student loan scheme.

Deputy Director of Communications and Media, NOA, Paul Odenyi, in a statement, further reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that the objectives of the student loan scheme are not derailed. “This is about safeguarding the future of education in Nigeria,” he said.

The statement stressed the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, as having disclosed the development following a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.

The revelation, the release said, was based on reports gathered by Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO) across the country.

“Our officers have been engaging with students and education stakeholders. We received credible reports indicating that some institutions, in collaboration with banks, are withholding vital information about the loan disbursements or failing to credit students even after funds have been released,” Issa-Onilu said.

The findings, he said, point to a disturbing pattern wherein institutions reportedly receive funds directly from NELFUND but fail to notify students or reflect the payments in their financial records. In some cases, students are still asked to pay tuition fees out-of-pocket, despite their loans being approved and disbursed on paper.

Confirming the malpractice, NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, stated that his agency is prepared to take legal action against any institution found culpable.

Recent findings by NELFUND have shown that some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments in their financial records, leading to unnecessary confusion.

“Withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but also a breach of the principles on which NELFUND was founded.” Sawyerr said

The loan programme, designed to alleviate the financial burden on students and improve access to tertiary education, risks losing credibility if such practices are not promptly addressed

In response, NOA has issued a nationwide directive to all state directorates to gather feedback from students and monitor the implementation of the loan scheme. The agency said it will ensure that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures are taken against schools and banks found to be in violation.

“The federal government’s student loan initiative is a lifeline for many Nigerian families. It must not be undermined by the selfish interests of a few actors within the system, we are committed to working with NELFUND and other relevant agencies to protect the rights of students.” said Issa-Onilu

Stakeholders in the education sector have commended the move and urged the government to take swift and decisive action. Student advocacy groups have also begun calling for transparency dashboards and complaint channels to ensure beneficiaries can track their loan status independently – Arisenews

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200 Beneficiaries Receive NDDC Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship

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200 Beneficiaries Receive NDDC Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has awarded Foreign Post Graduate Scholarships to 200 successful candidates for its 2025 scholarship programme.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, observed that the 200 beneficiaries underwent a qualification process that was free from political interferences or external influences.

He stated: “The panel, which was constituted to carry out this qualification process, worked hard to produce the best candidates. I want to commend the panellists for doing a great job. They raised the bar, leading to the best results”

Ogbuku announced that last year, one of the beneficiaries of the NDDC foreign scholarship programme produced the best results, which is an indication of quality in the selection process.

He added that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Commission would consider resuming the award of scholarships for doctoral studies given the brilliant performance of the past beneficiaries.

He further described the programme as one of the NDDC’s obligations aimed at improving the successes of the Commission and exposing the people of the region to the experience and development of other civilisations.

He admonished the beneficiaries to refrain from criminality and any other act that could tarnish the image of the Commission and the country as a whole.

The programme consultant, Chief Godson Idozo, in his remarks, hinted that 30,000 persons applied for the programme, and 6,000 were shortlisted for the aptitude test. At the same time, 200 applicants hit the foreign scholarship award merit lists.

The NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, congratulated the beneficiaries for passing through the various stages of the examination process, while urging them to remain focused and determined in their academic pursuits.

The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director took turns to present award letters to the successful candidates.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
June 19, 2025

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Ogun College Of Nursing Begins Sale Of 2025 Post-UTME Forms, Application Period Runs From June 16 To July 25

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Ogun College Of Nursing Begins Sale Of 2025 Post-UTME Forms, Application Period Runs From June 16 To July 25

The Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences has commenced the sale of application forms for the 2025 Post-UTME Computer-Based Screening into the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to a release signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the application window opened on Monday, June 16 and will close on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The statement outlines that prospective candidates must be at least 16 years old by August 6, 2025, and must have selected Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, or Ilaro campus of the College as their first choice during JAMB and Post-UTME registration.

Alternatively, candidates must effect a change of institution before the screening date. A minimum JAMB score of 180 is also required for eligibility.

In addition, applicants must possess a WASSCE, NECO, or GCE result with at least five credits in no more than two sittings. The compulsory subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

The application fee is Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (₦20,700) and must be paid online via the College’s official application portal at apply.ogcon.edu.ng.

The release also strongly cautioned prospective applicants against dealing with touts or fraudsters, stating that the College does not appoint admission agents, either online or in person. For further enquiries, candidates are advised to contact the College directly via [email protected].

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Arase Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students, Honours Legacy of Service and Excellence

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Arase Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students, Honours Legacy of Service and Excellence

The Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to education, youth empowerment, and social impact with the hosting of its Annual Scholarship Grant ceremony.

The initiative celebrates academic excellence while providing financial support to deserving Nigerian students, particularly from underserved backgrounds.

This year’s beneficiaries include high-achieving students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, selected for their academic merit, leadership potential, and community engagement. The scholarship also specifically supports children of deceased rank-and-file police officers as well as students from the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South—a nod to Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase’s roots and values.

The Foundation, established on the pillars of integrity, service, and excellence—principles that have defined Dr. Arase’s illustrious career in public service—continues to expand its impact by nurturing a new generation of changemakers.

“This is more than a financial award,” a spokesperson from the Foundation noted. “It is a seed of hope, a recognition of hard work, and a call to leadership.”

This year’s grant spans a wide range of academic disciplines, underscoring the Foundation’s inclusive approach to development. The breakdown of the scholarship recipients is as follows:

the scholarship recipients is as follows:

Medicine & Surgery – 13

Dentistry – 1

Mechanical Engineering – 1

Political Science – 1

Remote Sensing & Geoscience Information System – 1

Business Administration – 1

Agricultural Economics & Extension – 1

Criminology & Security Studies – 1

Guidance & Counseling – 2

Biology Education – 1

Pharmacy – 1

History and Diplomatic Studies – 1

Language & Linguistics – 1

Microbiology – 1

Science Laboratory Technology – 1

Human Nutrition & Dietetics – 1

The scholarship grant not only eases financial burdens for the recipients but also inspires them to strive for excellence and societal impact, mirroring the values of the man in whose name the Foundation was created.

SEAF’s annual initiative remains a vital instrument in promoting equitable access to higher education, with the long-term goal of building a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

“By investing in these young minds today,” the Foundation asserts, “we are building the architects of tomorrow’s Nigeria.”

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