The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) is strengthening its academic programmes and expanding access to higher education, with 3,296 students receiving financial assistance worth approximately N387 million through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The intervention is among the major developments recorded by the institution as it prepares to graduate 5,638 students at its 10th convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, presented an overview of the institution’s achievements during a press briefing on Monday, highlighting developments in student financing, staff capacity building, research, academic expansion and accreditation.
He explained that the NELFUND intervention was released in two separate payments, providing financial assistance to students who needed support to meet their educational expenses.
The first disbursement, valued at approximately N188 million, covered 1,631 students, while the second tranche of about N199 million was received on behalf of another 1,665 beneficiaries.
Altogether, the two payments amounted to approximately N387 million, bringing the total number of students supported under the arrangement to 3,296.
Ibileye also addressed the situation of students who had paid their tuition fees before their loan applications were successfully processed.
According to him, the university ensured that such students received refunds after the relevant loan funds became available. This arrangement was intended to prevent those who had initially financed their education independently from losing out on the benefits of the government-backed intervention.
The development represents an important source of relief for students and their families, particularly at a time when the cost of financing university education continues to place pressure on household budgets.
FUL invests N404.9m in staff development
Apart from student financial assistance, the university has also benefited from substantial support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), particularly in strengthening the professional and academic capabilities of its workforce.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that approximately N404.9 million had been committed to staff development, covering conference participation and academic training.
He said the university received 200 applications from staff members seeking sponsorship to attend conferences, out of which 190 were approved. The approval rate of 95 per cent, according to him, reflected the institution’s commitment to exposing its workforce to professional developments and research opportunities.
Among the beneficiaries were 81 academic employees, with 49 attending international conferences and 32 participating in conferences within Nigeria.
The sponsorship for the academic staff members amounted to approximately N246.6 million.
Another 109 non-academic employees also received assistance to participate in conferences, attracting an expenditure of about N38.4 million.
Combined, conference sponsorship for both academic and non-academic personnel accounted for approximately N285 million.
Ibileye further revealed that 21 academic staff members had been approved for TETFund-supported academic training, with N158.9 million committed to the programme.
The initiative is expected to improve staff expertise, encourage professional development and strengthen the quality of services delivered across the university.
University steps up research activities
On research and innovation, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that FUL had submitted more than 50 grant applications since appointing its first Grants Officer.
He described the appointment as part of efforts to improve the university’s ability to identify research funding opportunities and attract financial support from external organisations.
Securing research grants is an important aspect of university development, as such funding provides opportunities for academics to undertake investigations, develop solutions to societal challenges and contribute to knowledge in their respective disciplines.
The institution has also continued to encourage academic scholarship through its inaugural lecture programme.
Ibileye said eight professors had delivered inaugural lectures since February, bringing the total number of inaugural lectures held by the university to 47.
The lectures provide senior academics with an opportunity to present their research contributions, share professional experiences and demonstrate the intellectual work that has shaped their careers.
FUL introduces 14 new academic programmes
In another major development, the university has widened its academic offerings by introducing 14 programmes that admitted their first students during the 2026/2027 academic session.
Some of the newly introduced disciplines include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Psychology, and Criminology and Security Studies.
The inclusion of technology-focused courses reflects the growing relevance of digital skills and emerging technologies in today’s employment market.
Artificial Intelligence, data science, software engineering and cyber security have become increasingly important across several industries, creating demand for graduates with specialised knowledge in these areas.
Similarly, the addition of Psychology and Criminology and Security Studies provides further academic opportunities in fields connected to human behaviour, public safety and social development.
The expansion is part of the university’s efforts to accommodate changing educational interests and provide students with a wider selection of courses.
Eight programmes secure full NUC accreditation
Ibileye also reported progress in the institution’s quality assurance efforts, announcing that eight academic programmes had obtained full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He added that accreditation exercises were still ongoing for another 10 programmes.
Accreditation remains an important requirement for maintaining academic standards in Nigerian universities, as it assesses whether programmes meet the necessary requirements in areas such as staffing, infrastructure, curriculum and learning resources.
The ongoing exercises are expected to further strengthen the institution’s academic standing and ensure that its programmes operate within approved regulatory standards.
Rising costs pose challenges
Despite the progress recorded, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that managing the university had become increasingly demanding.
He identified rising operational expenses, increasing student enrolment and the growing need for modern facilities as some of the pressures confronting the institution.
According to him, the expansion of academic activities has created additional demands for infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, accommodation and improved digital facilities.
These requirements are essential to ensuring that the growth in student population and academic programmes is matched by adequate resources.
Ibileye, however, reaffirmed the management’s determination to sustain improvements in teaching, research and student welfare despite the financial and operational challenges.
The university’s 10th convocation ceremony, where 5,638 students are expected to graduate, will provide an opportunity to celebrate the institution’s academic achievements and the accomplishments of its graduating students.
The ceremony comes as Federal University Lokoja continues to pursue institutional growth through improved student support, investment in staff development, research advancement and the introduction of programmes designed to meet emerging educational needs.
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