Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Prof Umaru Pate, has noted the effort of the Federal Government in launching the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying that over 8,000 students have already gained support worth more than one billion naira.
Speaking during a media briefing held in Kashere to mark the university’s combined sixth to ninth convocation ceremonies, Prof Pate revealed that a total of 8,266 students from the institution have received financial support from the NELFUND scheme. He described it as a major step forward for student welfare and access to higher education.
“The president has done extensively well for this university, in the last one year. Over 8,266 students in this university have benefited N1,073,966,500 from NELFUND. The Federal Government paid their service charges, monthly upkeep,” he said.
Prof Pate noted that the education loan programme has done more for students in the last few years than any other initiative seen in recent times. He added that the impact of the fund reaches across the country and continues to grow.
“In the last 10-20 years, there is no programme that has impacted lives of students like the NELFUND. We’re still confident that many more of our students will be enrolled today, as this programme is assisting students all over Nigeria,” he added.
During the convocation briefing, the vice chancellor also shared the academic achievements of the graduating students. Out of a total of 6,870 undergraduates, 91 students achieved first-class degrees.
“6,870 undergraduates of the number; 91 first class students representing one per cent of the total. 3,917 students got second lower, representing 57 per cent, 1,899 got second class upper, representing 28 per cent, while 960 to graduate with third class degrees, three to get pass degree,” Pate explained.
He also mentioned the gender distribution among the graduating students, stating that 4,791 are male while 2,079 are female. According to him, this shows the need for more female participation in higher education.
“4,791 are male, about 70 per cent of the graduates, while 2,079 are female. This is a challenge for us to work harder to increase more enrolment,” he said.
