The Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has suspended its policy requiring students to present proof of fee payment during examinations for those applying for student loans through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, made the announcement during a sensitisation programme organised by NELFUND at the polytechnic’s main campus in Usen.

“The issue of driving students during examinations is now over. We will no longer be checking your slips — if you have paid your fees or not. It is just to check the (NELFUND) portal, and if you have registered, there will not be a need to be driven out,” Omoruyi stated.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the scheme and commended the Edo State government for supporting the programme. The Rector also lauded NELFUND for easing the financial burden on Nigerian students by providing school fee coverage and upkeep allowances.

However, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, expressed concern that the polytechnic had yet to submit students’ data to formally initiate the registration process for the scheme.

The suspension of the fee payment proof policy is expected to provide relief to students facing financial difficulties while facilitating their access to educational funding through NELFUND.