The Principal and Chief Executive of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Dr. Samuel Onoji, has urged newly admitted students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as the institute matriculated 1,625 freshers.
Dr. Onoji gave the encouragement on Friday, March 28, during the 2024/2025 academic session joint matriculation ceremony for full-time and part-time students at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State.
He emphasized that NELFUND, an initiative of the Federal Government, is designed to ease the financial burden on students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, NELFUND is a zero-interest loan scheme that provides financial support to students to cover institutional fees and monthly upkeep.
He noted that the institute received its first NELFUND disbursement on February 11, 2025, which was successfully paid to the students who applied.
He said, “I want to emphasize the importance of accessing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), an initiative of the Federal Government designed to alleviate the financial burden on students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“Through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
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“NELFUND is a zero-interest loan scheme that provides financial support to students to cover institutional fees and monthly upkeep. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online by both new and returning students.
“The institute received its first NELFUND disbursement on February 11, 2025, and it has been paid to the successful applicants.”
He added that the loan application process is seamless and serves as a vital support system to relieve financial stress, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits.
According to him, applicants need to provide specific personal details, including their name, admission number, JAMB number, date of birth, NIN, and BVN. Once approved, the loan will be disbursed within 30 days.
“I strongly encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity to access the NELFUND loan.
“It is a vital support system that can help alleviate financial stress and enable you to focus on your academic pursuits.
“Please contact the Students’ Affairs Office for guidance on applying for the NELFUND loan,” he added.
Dr. Onoji, who urged the freshers to stay focused, also warned them against examination malpractice, physical and sexual assault, cultism, drug abuse, theft, robbery, certificate forgery, bullying, harassment, and the misuse of social media, among other vices.
The 1,625 students were admitted into various departments, including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Science and Management Technology, and Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology.
Other departments include Science Laboratory Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience, Petroleum Marketing and Business Studies, Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing, Welding Engineering, and Offshore Technology.
The matriculants took the oath administered by the Registrar of the institution in the presence of the principal, directors, members of the academic board, heads of departments, and parents and guardians.
Speaking excitedly, one of the new intakes in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing Engineering department, Ifeoma Chukwu Praise, expressed joy at being among the 1,625 freshers admitted.
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