Trending News
NELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the disbursement of ₦86 billion to 449,000 students, selected from a total of 735,000 applications submitted under its student loan scheme.
NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, in an interview today, detailed the scope of the loan programme and its daily growth.
“As of this morning, 742,000 students have registered on our portal and been cleared as potential applicants. Of that number, 735,000 have applied for the loan, meaning they have completed the process and formally submitted their applications.
“The number of students who have benefitted, meaning those whose school fees have been paid, or whose school fees and stipends have been paid in instalments, stands at 449,000. Applications are growing by about 3,000 to 3,500 per day.
“So far, ₦47 billion has been paid to 218 federally and state-owned tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, while ₦38 billion has been disbursed as stipends. In total, we have disbursed ₦86 billion,” he said on Friday.
Sawyerr also explained that the turnaround time for loan processing is between 30 and 45 days, provided applicants meet all criteria.
“We’re not working to a deadline to pay people; we’re working to a process that is robust, fully auditable, and accountable. Once an application is processed, we send it to the applicant’s institution for verification to confirm the student’s identity, course of study, and fees.
“Only after receiving a signed confirmation from the school do we proceed, and that internal process takes another two to three weeks. If there are issues with any individual or institution during this process, payment will not be made until they are resolved,” he said.
Weighing on the ongoing investigation into the scheme, the NELFUND chief acknowledged concerns about accountability.
“Managing public funds is subject to probity, and vigilance is necessary in the process. There must be responsibility at every stage,” he said, adding that there had been a case of double payment and alleged collusion.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced in May that it had opened an investigation into alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of student loans, claiming ₦71 billion was unaccounted for.
The ICPC said it was probing reports of illegal deductions, ranging from ₦3,500 to ₦30,000, from students’ institutional fees by some schools. However, NELFUND denied any mismanagement.
Sports
Cape Verde Golie , Vozinha’s Name Stalling His Move To New Chile Club
Cape Verde’s World Cup hero Vozinha could face an unexpected obstacle before making his highly anticipated debut for Chilean giants Colo-Colo.
The veteran goalkeeper may be forced to wear his real surname instead of the nickname that made him famous during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fresh off a sensational World Cup campaign with Cape Verde, the 40-year-old goalkeeper is set to complete a six-month move to Colo-Colo after leaving Portuguese side Chaves.
However, Chilean league regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their shirts.
Under the rules, players must display their paternal or maternal surname, with only the initial of their first name permitted if necessary. Nicknames, appellations and sobriquets are expressly forbidden.
That regulation means the goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, could be prevented from wearing “Vozinha” on his jersey despite becoming globally recognised under that name during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run.
Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa has already begun discussions with the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) in an attempt to secure an exception.
According to Mosa, the response from the governing body has been encouraging, with the matter expected to be discussed by the Council of Presidents after several club officials expressed support for the request.
“We have this problem,” Mosa told reporters. “I spoke with the ANFP and they showed good disposition.” He added that allowing the goalkeeper to continue using the name “Vozinha” would make sense considering he wore it during “the most important event in the world” at the FIFA World Cup.
The nickname, which translates to “little grandmother” in Portuguese, dates back to his childhood. Older children reportedly gave him the name because he would run home crying to his grandparents after losing neighbourhood football matches.
Vozinha is expected to arrive in Santiago to finalise his move, with his initial six-month contract including an option for a further year. If Colo-Colo’s request is rejected, one of the World Cup’s breakout stars could be forced to swap the famous name recognised by millions of fans for his surname when he makes his debut.
Sports
Adeyemi: I Will Give Yamal A Good Fight To Earn Minutes In Barca
New Barcelona signing Karim Adeyemi has made it clear he is unfazed by the prospect of competing with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for a place in Hansi Flick’s starting eleven.
Flick’s 30-man squad arrived in the UK on Monday for an intensive training camp at England’s national football centre in Burton upon Trent.
Their preparations will be put to the test this Friday evening in a friendly match against Championship side Birmingham City.
Adeyemi will be keen to make a strong first impression as he begins his campaign to secure a regular starting role for the Blaugrana.
The German forward, who recently joined from Borussia Dortmund, also shared that a brief phone call with Flick was all it took to secure his move to the Catalan club.
Speaking from Barcelona’s pre-season training camp at St. George’s Park, Adeyemi expressed his readiness to fight for his spot.
The 24-year-old was brought in to strengthen the team’s attack but faces stiff competition, particularly from the highly-rated Yamal.
However, Adeyemi is confident in his own abilities. When asked by Mundo Deportivo if he was concerned about vying for minutes on the wing, his response was direct.
“No. I’m not afraid of any player,” Adeyemi stated firmly. “I know that if I give my best, I’ll have a chance to play.”
News
Rape Of 8 Yr Old: Uproar Over Detained NDLEA Official
The mother of an eight-year-old girl allegedly defiled by an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bauchi State has called for justice, expressing deep concern over delays in prosecuting the suspect.
The mother’s appeal was made public through her legal counsel, Barrister Alkasim Mohammed, a human rights lawyer representing the African Child Development and Human Right Protection.
According to the counsel, the incident occurred when the victim was sent to buy a sachet of water at the residence of the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Muhammad Mustapha Makama, a neighbour to the victim’s family.
He said the suspect allegedly lured and had carnal knowledge of the minor.
According to report,the case was promptly reported by the victim’s mother, Salamatu Musa, at the E Division of the Bauchi State Police Command on July 5, 2026.
Following the report, the police arrested Makama, and he has reportedly remained in police custody for almost three weeks without being charged in court.
Frustrated by the prolonged detention without trial, the human rights organisation petitioned the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police.
While commending the police for arresting a security personnel, Barrister Alkasim raised alarm over alleged behind-the-scenes moves by certain figures to secure the suspect’s release.
The lawyer noted that the Bauchi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had already issued legal advice and an opinion on July 23, 2023, favouring the prosecution of the suspect based on available evidence, facts, and medical reports.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and assured the public that he would soon be charged in court.
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