Students at the University of Calabar (UniCal) have called on the institution’s management to extend the deadlines for course registration and tuition fee payment due to delays in the disbursement of loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Johnson David, a 200-level student, highlighted the urgency of the appeal in a letter sent to the university. “We have yet to receive disbursement, which has hindered our ability to pay our school fees,” David explained. He noted that while some students’ loan applications had been verified, others were still pending. Additionally, many students are awaiting responses from other financial aid opportunities, such as the Clement Joshua School Fees Empowerment and various scholarship programs.
David expressed gratitude to the Students Union Government and the university management for their efforts in addressing these financial concerns. “With understanding and support, we can overcome this challenge and focus on our academic pursuits,” he added.
In response to the students’ plea, UniCal’s management confirmed the receipt of over N182 million on December 3, 2024, which had been disbursed to 1,926 students. Vice-Chancellor Florence Obi, in a statement, requested detailed records of the beneficiaries and the amounts credited to ensure proper documentation.
The ongoing delays in loan disbursement have left many students anxious about their ability to meet tuition deadlines, prompting calls for flexibility and continued support from the university administration.
