“Not A Scam”: Asagba Urges Media To Boost Awareness Of Student Loan Scheme

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Prof. Ogheneovo Asagba, has called on members of the media to intensify public sensitization on the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, stressing that the scheme is genuine and not fraudulent.

Prof. Asagba made this known while addressing journalists at a press briefing ahead of the university’s 18th Convocation Ceremony, where he responded to concerns regarding student welfare.

Describing misconceptions surrounding the loan scheme as a major setback, the Vice-Chancellor lamented that many students have failed to take advantage of the opportunity due to widespread skepticism.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund was designed to ease financial burdens on students, noting that beneficiaries are allowed to pursue their studies without immediate financial pressure.

According to him, repayment is structured to commence only after beneficiaries secure gainful employment, making the scheme both accessible and sustainable. He further revealed that students who had successfully accessed the facility were permitted to sit for examinations, underscoring the institution’s support for participants.

Beyond the federal initiative, Prof. Asagba disclosed that the university has introduced an internal intervention, the Vice-Chancellor’s support scheme, implemented across faculties to assist indigent and deserving students in meeting academic obligations.

In addition, the Vice-Chancellor announced plans to recognise outstanding staff members at an end-of-year grand ceremony. Among those to be honoured is Dr. Ben Azu, currently based in Canada, alongside other distinguished personnel whose contributions have elevated the institution’s profile.

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Highlighting efforts to expand DELSU’s global footprint, Prof. Asagba noted that the university is strengthening international collaborations with institutions across South Africa, Canada, China, and the United States. As part of this initiative, a staff member has recently been deployed to Taiwan for specialised training in tilapia cultivation, reflecting DELSU’s commitment to research, innovation, and capacity development.
He reiterated that greater awareness and trust in initiatives such as the student loan scheme would significantly improve access to education and enhance student welfare across the country.