The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed over ₦79 million to students of the Federal Polytechnic Idah since the launch of its loan program for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
Dr. Yahaya Baba Usman, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, announced this on Saturday during the 39th matriculation ceremony of the institution.
The Rector praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), noting that the agency has enabled many Nigerian students to access higher education.
“For the 2023/2024 Academic Session, Four hundred and twenty-four students benefited, while one thousand, four hundred and seventy students benefited in the 2024/2025 Academic Session. In the current Academic Session, 2025/2026, over two thousand Students have applied.
He noted that the Federal Polytechnic Idah, under his administration, has secured accreditation and resource inspection for fifty programmes in the Polytechnic; fourteen new programmes were introduced since he came on board as Rector.
Dr. Usman posited that a total of three thousand eight hundred and twenty students are matriculating for the 2025/2026 Academic session for the various National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the institution.
He charged them to begin to pursue the cause for which you are here- knowledge.
“As you pursue your various programmes, I urge you to apply yourselves committedly to your studies and ensure that at the end of your stay in this Polytechnic, you must acquired all the necessary technological skills that will enable you contribute to the technological advancement of our dear country, Nigeria.
“Matriculation is a starting point while convocation is the destination; for you to graduate and become relevant in society, I charge you to shun cultism, examination malpractices, indecent dressing, religious bigotry and intolerance, and other vices throughout your studies on this campus. We, as Management, shall not tolerate any act capable of jeopardising the peaceful coexistence of all members of the Polytechnic Community, as well as the growth and progress of the Polytechnic.
“As management shall continue to be committed to the welfare and Security of every member of the Polytechnic Community, especially the students. I urge you to be security conscious, avoid violence, and embrace dialogue as a peaceful means of resolving grievances. Also, I encourage you to actively participate in sports and recreational activities.
He also emphasised that the ban on the sign-out ceremony on the campus still stands. “Let me advise you, especially the matriculating students, to comply with the ban accordingly to avoid the penalties for violation as any students found wanting in this regard will face the full wrath of the law.
