75 Oyo Nursing Students Receive NELFUND Loan: Is It Transparent or a Case of Favoritism?_ watch the video

The management of Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, has come under scrutiny following the announcement that 75 out of 78 students who applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) successfully received financial aid — a near-perfect approval rate that some observers say raises more questions than praise.

The college’s Provost, Gbonjubola Owolabi, made the disclosure during a management meeting on Friday, hailing the development as a “strategic effort” to support financially struggling students. But while state officials and college management were quick to applaud the disbursement, critics are asking whether the process was as transparent and equitable as it seems.

“How did 96% of applicants at one institution get approved when other colleges report far lower success rates?” asked a student rights advocate. “It’s either a sign of preferential treatment or a red flag about how NELFUND is managing the distribution process.”

According to a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the college was notified on Thursday of the fund’s arrival. However, questions are now being raised about the selection criteria, documentation process, and whether the remaining three students were unfairly left out.

The near-universal approval rate has fueled speculation over political favoritism or insider influence — especially in contrast to institutions like UNILORIN, where thousands of students applied but received comparatively less coverage and attention.

While the Provost encouraged more students to apply for the loan in upcoming sessions, the timing and celebratory tone of the announcement have drawn criticism. “Instead of focusing on three rejected students and fixing the system’s flaws, the institution is busy applauding itself for near-total acceptance,” one critic noted.

As Nigeria pushes to expand access to student loans, the controversy highlights a deeper concern: Is NELFUND truly a lifeline for all — or a selective pipeline for a privileged few?