A total of 3,296 students at the Federal University Lokoja have received approximately N387 million through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund across two tranches, significantly easing financial pressures for learners.
Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, made this announcement on Monday during a media briefing preceding the university's 10th convocation ceremony, which was scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the initial disbursement totaled about N188 million and covered 1,631 undergraduates, while a subsequent tranche of roughly N199 million extended financial backing to another 1,665 scholars. Ibileye noted that the institution also processed refunds for individuals who had cleared their tuition charges prior to the approval and disbursement of their loan requests.
What other financial interventions were announced?
Alongside student-focused credit facilities, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund injected approximately N404.9 million into capacity building and training programs for university personnel. Ibileye revealed that out of 200 staff applications submitted for conference support, 190 scaled through, translating to a 95 per cent success rate.
Specifically, 81 academic personnel benefited from the sponsorship—comprising 49 attendees at international conferences and 32 participants at domestic events—accounting for an expenditure of about N246.6 million. Additionally, 109 non-teaching personnel accessed approximately N38.4 million for similar conference engagements, bringing total conference expenditures to roughly N285 million. Furthermore, 21 academic personnel secured approval for specialized training backed by TETFund, with N158.9 million dedicated to the initiative.
How is the institution expanding its academic scope?
In the realm of research and curriculum development, the Vice-Chancellor reported that over 50 grant proposals had been forwarded following the engagement of the institution's pioneer Grants Officer. Meanwhile, eight professorial inaugural lectures had been delivered since February, raising the cumulative count to 47.
Ibileye also highlighted the rollout of 14 fresh academic disciplines that admitted their inaugural cohorts for the 2026/2027 academic year. These newly introduced courses feature Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Psychology, alongside Criminology and Security Studies. Furthermore, eight courses attained full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission, while evaluations remain active for 10 additional programs.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that these milestones were achieved amidst escalating overhead expenses, expanding student populations, and pressing demands for enhanced infrastructure, laboratory upgrades, hostel accommodation, and digital tools. He concluded by reiterating the management's dedication to academic excellence and student welfare, confirming that 5,638 graduands would be conferred with degrees during the milestone convocation event.