In a bold move to tackle the persistent challenge of erratic electricity supply in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, the Federal Government has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar-powered energy solutions across the country’s higher institutions.

At a brief signing ceremony held at the University of Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu (represented by Minister of State for Education, Dr. Morufu Tunji Alausa), formalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with REA. The initiative aims to boost the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) by scaling up the deployment of decentralized solar energy systems to all federal higher institutions nationwide.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that this strategic partnership underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and renewable energy as a critical enabler of modern education. He acknowledged that unstable power supply has continued to impede academic innovation, disrupt calendars, and negatively impact research laboratories and ICT infrastructure.

“The partnership is a significant step toward transforming the educational landscape. Reliable electricity will enhance learning, research, and innovation in our institutions,” Alausa noted.

Managing Director of the REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu Yusuf, praised the Ministry of Education for championing the initiative. He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to fully implement the MoU in line with the Federal Government’s energy access goals. “We are committed to ensuring that the objectives outlined in the agreement are achieved and that Nigerian students benefit from uninterrupted power supply,” he stated.

The solar energy rollout is expected to not only address energy deficiencies but also support Nigeria’s broader agenda on climate action and educational development.

In a bold move to enhance access to higher education funding, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is building a technology-driven system designed to streamline the loan application and disbursement process for students across the country.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this during a Stakeholders Engagement Session and Technical Workshop focused on system automation and loan application procedures. The event, held in Abuja, brought together key representatives from Polytechnics, Monotechnics, and various technical institutions.

Sawyerr emphasized NELFUND’s commitment to providing a user-friendly platform that ensures transparent, accountable, and stress-free access to student loans.

“Our goal at NELFUND extends beyond simply offering financial aid,” he stated. “We’re opening doors to opportunity, ensuring that every Nigerian student—regardless of background or institution—can pursue their education without financial constraints.”

He revealed that over 320,000 students have already received funding, with many more currently undergoing the verification process.

“For too long, students, especially those in technical institutions, have faced significant financial hurdles. Some are forced to drop out, while others never apply due to the complexity of the process. This is the gap we are closing through technology,” Sawyerr said.

The NELFUND boss stressed that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving government bodies and private sector partners. The automated system is designed to simplify student applications, enable institutions to verify with ease, and facilitate prompt and fair disbursement of funds.

He called on educational institutions to continue their invaluable contributions to nation-building through technical expertise and practical training, and to partner with NELFUND in creating a system that is not only sustainable but transformative.

“Institutional collaboration is vital,” Sawyerr noted. “We depend on your data, your feedback, and your cooperation to bring this vision to life.”

He concluded by commending the institutions for their decades-long impact on communities and economies, and encouraged their continued partnership in driving the future of accessible education financing in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on student leaders across tertiary institutions to take proactive ownership in promoting the interest-free student loan scheme aimed at ensuring financial access to higher education.

Speaking during a Stakeholders Engagement Session and Technical Workshop held in Abuja, NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized the need for students to drive awareness and support for the initiative. The session, now in its fourth day, gathered key stakeholders and student representatives from across the country.

Sawyerr reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to eliminating financial barriers and creating equal learning opportunities for all Nigerian students, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education, inclusion, and empowerment.

He encouraged student union leaders to actively engage their peers, provide constructive feedback, and help fine-tune the scheme’s implementation to ensure its success.

Also speaking at the event, NELFUND Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Iyal Mustapha, cautioned institutions against delays in verifying student applications. He noted that such delays significantly impact the timely disbursement of funds and undermine the scheme’s effectiveness.

Mustapha urged student leaders to mount pressure on school authorities to facilitate quicker verification processes, highlighting that the scheme was specifically designed to reduce student dropout rates caused by financial hardship.

He further explained that the loan covers tuition fees and monthly stipends, all without interest, collateral, or coercive repayment tactics. Repayment begins only two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and only if the beneficiary is gainfully employed.

In a show of empathy, Mustapha also disclosed that the loan is automatically canceled in the event of a beneficiary’s death or permanent disability. He advised students to cross-check with their institutions to confirm fund receipts, as some schools have failed to communicate the disbursement status to their students.

The engagement session witnessed active participation from Students Union leaders and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as the Fund continues to drive stakeholder involvement in ensuring the success of the initiative.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

Our correspondent Yakub IKHELUWA covers that the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed during a press briefing at the board’s headquarters that results for 1,911,551 candidates have been released, bringing the total available results to 1,951,811.

However, the board is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates due to suspected involvement in examination malpractice. These candidates were part of the 1,957,000 who were successfully verified and participated in the exam.

Prof. Oloyede also revealed that 80 candidates are currently under investigation for various examination-related offences. Anambra State recorded the highest number of suspects, with 14 candidates implicated.

Further breakdown shows that 467 underage candidates scored above the minimum benchmark, while 50 candidates were involved in confirmed cases of examination fraud.

In addition, 71,705 candidates were absent from the examination, and 2,157 candidates’ fingerprints were rejected by biometric machines. The Registrar assured that candidates whose fingerprints were flagged but are not linked to any form of malpractice will be given another opportunity to take the UTME at a later date.