NELFUND benefits 8266 students at Federal University of Kashere as Vice Chancellor hails over ₦1bn loan support during convocation ceremony
NELFUND benefits 8266 students at the Federal University of Kashere, according to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Umaru Pate, who commended the Federal Government for establishing the scheme.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing to announce the university’s sixth to ninth convocation ceremonies, Pate described the programme as a landmark intervention in Nigeria’s higher education.
He disclosed that over ₦1 billion had been disbursed to support the students’ academic journey, describing it as the most impactful educational support initiative in recent years.
“The president has done extensively well for this university in the last one year,” he said. “Over 8,266 students in this university have benefited ₦1,073,966,500 from NELFUND. The Federal Government paid their service charges and monthly upkeep.”
Pate further asserted that no federal programme in the past two decades has rivalled the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in terms of direct impact on students’ lives.
He praised the government’s vision for higher education, noting that the initiative is assisting young people across the country to stay in school and focus on their studies.
The Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that more students would still benefit from the scheme before the end of the year, reinforcing its relevance in supporting education and reducing dropout rates.
“We’re still confident that many more of our students will be enrolled today, as this programme is assisting students all over Nigeria,” he said.
As part of the press engagement, Pate also revealed the academic achievements of the graduating class. A total of 6,870 students will receive degrees, with 91 earning first-class honours. “6,870 undergraduates of the number; 91 first-class students representing one per cent of the total,” he noted.
He provided a detailed breakdown of the class of graduates, adding that 1,899 students obtained second-class upper degrees, accounting for 28 per cent, while 3,917 earned second-class lower degrees, making up 57 per cent. Another 960 will graduate with third-class honours, and three others with pass degrees.
The gender composition of the graduating class was also shared, revealing that 4,791 of the graduates are male, representing about 70 per cent, while 2,079 are female.
Professor Pate said this gender gap presents a challenge for the institution to improve female enrolment in future academic years.
“This is a challenge for us to work harder to increase more enrolment,” he added. He also reiterated the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and the continuous development of its programmes to align with national needs.
The convocation ceremonies, spanning multiple graduating classes, are expected to be a celebration of academic achievement, resilience, and the positive effect of government support through initiatives like NELFUND.
Students and parents have expressed relief and gratitude for the financial support, which many say made the difference between continuing education and dropping out.
“This fund helped me stay in school and focus,” said one graduating student who benefitted from the loan. “I’m proud to be among the first-class graduates today.”
The Federal University of Kashere continues to grow in academic stature, and with the ongoing support from government-backed schemes, it appears poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s human capital development.
