Over 15,000 LAUTECH Students Await Approved NELFUND Loan Disbursement
The Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof. Razaq Kalilu, has disclosed that over 15,000 students of the institution who were approved for the Federal Government's student loan scheme have yet to receive the funds. Kalilu made this announcement during a press briefing held yesterday, which heralded the university's 18th convocation ceremony. He expressed significant concern about the delay in disbursing funds under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), highlighting potential impacts on students' financial stability.
Details of the Loan Application and Approval Process
According to Prof. Kalilu, approximately 19,000 students from LAUTECH applied for the loan scheme, with more than 15,000 receiving approval but still awaiting payment. He noted that while the initiative is commendable and aims to improve access to higher education, the delay in disbursement could undermine its intended benefits, particularly for students facing severe financial constraints. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that timely funding is crucial for supporting academic pursuits and reducing dropout rates.
Convocation Highlights and Graduation Statistics
In addition to addressing the loan issue, Prof. Kalilu provided details on the university's recent academic achievements. For the 2026 academic session, LAUTECH produced 137 First Class graduates out of a total of 7,641 students in its first-degree category. This represents about two per cent of the total graduands, with the majority falling within the Second Class categories. The breakdown of graduation results is as follows:
- 1,889 students graduated with Second Class Upper division.
- 3,549 students obtained Second Class Lower division.
- 1,008 students earned Third Class degrees.
- 37 students graduated with a Pass.
Recognition of Top Academic Performers
Prof. Kalilu identified Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering as the overall best graduating student, achieving a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.89. This recognition underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence and highlights the achievements of its top performers. The Vice-Chancellor praised the dedication of both students and faculty in maintaining high educational standards.
The press briefing served as a platform to address ongoing challenges in education funding while celebrating the institution's academic milestones. Prof. Kalilu called for urgent action to resolve the loan disbursement delays, ensuring that students can fully benefit from the NELFUND scheme and continue their studies without financial hindrance.
