Prof. Tonukari Tasks Delta Higher Institutions On NELFUND Implementation ~ Truth Reporters

 

In a determined move to guarantee that students across Delta State fully benefit from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, on Tuesday led a high-level monitoring team to the College of Education, Warri, to assess the implementation of the scheme.

The inspection, which took place on February 24, 2026, forms part of a statewide compliance exercise initiated in line with the directive of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. 

The Governor had emphasized the need for strict adherence to the NELFUND framework to ensure that no eligible Delta student is denied access to the financial support designed to ease the burden of tuition and other academic expenses.

Prof. Tonukari, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and senior directors from the Ministry of Higher Education, engaged institutional authorities and reviewed operational processes to confirm that the scheme is being implemented exactly as approved. 

The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal access to educational opportunities.

The visit to the College of Education, Warri, follows similar monitoring exercises earlier conducted at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka; University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor; Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku; and Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba. 

Across the institutions, the team assessed compliance levels, evaluated student access to the loan scheme, and identified areas requiring improvement.

Speaking during the exercise, Prof. Tonukari expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded so far, noting that the initiative is already making meaningful impact on students’ academic pursuits. 

He stressed that the monitoring effort is not merely procedural, but a deliberate step to protect students’ interests and uphold the integrity of the programme.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the inspection tour is ongoing, with the team scheduled to visit Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, and the College of Education, Mosogar, on Wednesday. 

He assured that the Ministry will continue to maintain a hands-on approach until full compliance is achieved across all state-owned higher institutions.

The statewide monitoring underscores the Oborevwori administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and supporting the future of Delta students through practical, people-centered policies.