The Management of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, has released a critical administrative directive targeting all newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 Academic Session. This notice applies to candidates admitted through both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) into the College’s Dual Mandate programmes, encompassing both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Undergraduate Degree tracks.

This directive centers on the integration of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) into the college’s registration workflow. The management has established a centralized system to ensure that all eligible students are properly captured within the federal student loan ecosystem, thereby facilitating financial accessibility for technical and teacher education.

Strategic Enrollment Window and Venue

To streamline the process and provide technical support to students, the College has designated a specific operational hub for this exercise.

• Registration Period: Monday, 9th February, to Wednesday, 25th February, 2026.

• Operational Venue: Management Information System (MIS) Unit, FCE(T) Gombe.

• Target Group: All fresh UTME and Direct Entry students (NCE and Degree).

The NELFUND Mandate: Compliance vs. Self-Funding

The College Management has introduced a clear distinction between students seeking federal financial aid and those opting for self-funding. This enrollment exercise at the MIS Unit is designed to categorize the student body based on their financial aid status.

1. For NELFUND Applicants

Students who intend to utilize the federal loan must complete their enrollment at the MIS Unit within the stipulated window. This ensures their data is synchronized with the national NELFUND database, allowing the college to process their tuition credits once disbursed by the fund.

2. For Non-Applicants (Declining the Loan)

The College has explicitly stated that any candidate who fails to report to the MIS Unit for registration and enrollment by the 25th February 2026 deadline will be officially classified as “not interested” in the NELFUND scheme.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Students who do not participate in the enrollment exercise and subsequently fail to settle their accounts will face significant financial and administrative hurdles:

• Full Fee Liability: Candidates who bypass the NELFUND enrollment window are legally required to pay the full prescribed school fees out-of-pocket.

• Late Registration Penalty: After the 25th of February 2026, any student who has not either secured a NELFUND enrollment confirmation or paid their fees in full will be subject to an additional late registration penalty.

• Administrative Block: Failure to finalize financial status (either through NELFUND or direct payment) may lead to the suspension of portal access, preventing students from registering for courses or participating in continuous assessments.

Procedural Steps at the MIS Unit

To ensure a successful enrollment, students are advised to follow this protocol at the MIS Unit:

1. Identity Verification: Present your original Admission Letter (UTME/DE) and a valid means of identification.

2. Data Capture: Ensure your National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) are accurately linked during the MIS capture, as these are mandatory requirements for NELFUND eligibility.

3. Confirmation Slip: Upon successful enrollment, ensure you receive a confirmation of your registration status for your personal records.

Institutional Commitment

By centralizing the NELFUND enrollment at the MIS Unit, the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, is proactively assisting students in navigating the complexities of the new federal student loan scheme. Management emphasizes that this window is final, and students must treat the 25th February deadline with the utmost urgency to avoid the financial burden of late fees.

Signed: College Management