Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have come together to support a fellow student who could not access a Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) loan for the 2024/2025 academic session. The student’s initial application was rejected, and by the time she tried to reapply, the application window had closed, leaving her unable to register for courses.
In response, fellow student Adebesin Olatunbosun launched a fundraising appeal, requesting ₦38,500—half of the student’s tuition fee—to complete registration before the school portal closed. Olatunbosun emphasized transparency, pledging that all contributions would go directly to the student and even emptied his own account to demonstrate commitment.
The appeal quickly gained traction, with OAU students donating amounts from ₦100 to over ₦1,000 via social media and student groups. The campaign highlighted not only the community spirit among students but also wider frustrations with NELFUND’s registration and disbursement process, which many say suffers from delays and inconsistent communication.
Parents and advocacy groups praised the initiative, noting that student-led efforts like this help mitigate the financial pressures on families while fostering solidarity. Contributors were directed to an Opay account under Adebesin Olatunbosun to ensure the funds were used exclusively for tuition.
The episode underscores the empathy and collective responsibility within the OAU community, demonstrating how students can mobilize to help peers overcome systemic financial challenges and continue their education.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
