Esteemed representatives from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), my dear students of the great University of Ibadan, members of the university community, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of purpose that l welcome you all to this critical interactive session. Today, we gather to bridge a vital gap-the gap between opportunity and access, between ambition and achievement. We are here to demystify the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a transformative initiative by the Federal Government designed to liberate your minds from financial anxiety and empower you to focus on what truly matters: your academic and professional excellence.

We cannot build a future on a foundation of financial distress.Therefore, a scheme like NELFUND is not just a loan program; it is a strategic partnership in national development, and we embrace it fully.

Understanding NELFUND: Your Key to Uninterrupted Learning

Let me be unequivocal: NELFUND represents a fundamental shift in the philosophy of educational funding in Nigeria. It is an investment in human capital, a social contract that says, "Your brilliance is the most valuable asset we have; we will invest in it."

* Core Purpose: To provide interest-free, accessible loans to students in public tertiary institutions.

* Primary Benefit: It removes the primary barrier to education— tuition fees-freeing you and your families from this significant burden and allowing you to concentrate fully on your studies.

* Holistic Impact: Beyond fees, it alleviates the associated stress that can affect academic performance, mental well-being, and overall student experience.

A Call to Action: Register and Secure Your Future

My dear students, opportunity, no matter how great, only benefits those who seize it. The registration for NELFUND is your immediate task. While the specific portal details will be elaborated by the NELFUND team, the principle is universal: proactive engagement is

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I urge every eligible student here today to:

1. Listen Attentively: Absorb every detail from the NELFUND officials.

2. Prepare Your Documents: Typically, such processes require valid identification, proof of admission, and bank account details. Having these ready streamlines your registration.

3. Register Promptly: Do not procrastinate. Complete your registration accurately as soon as the portal is accessible to you.

4. Seek Clarification: Ask questions today. The Ul support system, including the Ul NELFUND Support desk, is here to guide you.

Closing: The Charge of a Generation

In conclusion, I stand before you not only as your Vice-Chancellor but as a testament to the power of education nurtured in a supportive environment. My journey was supported by the system; today, NELFUND exists to support yours.

This is more than a loan; it is a vote of confidence in your potential from the nation. It is an instrument to unleash your creativity, fuel your research, and empower you to become the problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders Nigeria urgently needs.

Register for NELFUND. Own your future. And as you do, remember the words of our anthem. The way is through focused, uninterrupted, and empowered learning.

I thank the NELFUND team for this partnership and for their presentation. To my brilliant students, I say: the future is in your hands. Go and claim it.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp