The Management of Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT), Talata Mafara, has officially signaled the commencement of a critical administrative phase for the 2025/2026 academic session. Through a circular issued by the Office of the Bursar and signed by the NELFUND Desk Officer, Bashar Baba Aminu, the university has invited students listed under the Second Batch of the NELFUND Beneficiary Scheme to undergo a mandatory physical verification exercise.

This exercise is part of the broader national initiative to streamline the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ensuring that federal financial aid accurately reaches the intended recipients. For ZAMSUT students, this verification acts as the final bridge between loan approval and the formal reconciliation of their student accounts, particularly for those seeking refunds of previously paid fees.

Understanding the NELFUND Verification Context

The NELFUND scheme is a transformative federal intervention designed to democratize access to higher education by providing interest-free loans to students. However, the disbursement process requires a rigorous “three-way match” between the federal fund, the university’s central admissions database, and the student’s physical presence and documentation.

Verification ensures that:

1. Identity Accuracy: The individual claiming the loan is the same individual registered with the university.

2. Financial Reconciliation: The university can accurately distinguish between students who still owe fees and those who have already made payments and are now due for a refund.

3. Batch Integrity: By processing students in batches, the Bursary Department prevents system congestion and administrative errors.

Verification Schedule and Logistics

The university has allocated a specific two-week window for the Second Batch. Students must be mindful that the university is operating across different locations; therefore, the venue for this exercise is specific.

• Date Window: Monday, 9th February to Friday, 20th February, 2026

• Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Daily

• Venue: Bursary Department, Temporary Site, Talata Mafara.

Students are strictly advised to stick to the Monday-to-Friday schedule. The “Temporary Site” has been designated as the hub for this exercise to allow for specialized attention from the NELFUND desk without interrupting the standard financial operations at the Permanent Site.

Mandatory Documentation: A Comprehensive Breakdown

To ensure a successful verification, students must present a complete portfolio of documents. Failure to produce any of these items may result in the student being turned away, potentially missing their batch window.

1. School Fees Remita (The Primary Receipt)

All students, regardless of their payment status, must present their Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) generated payment slip. This document serves as the official financial ID within the Nigerian university system. Even if NELFUND is covering the fees, the Remita slip acts as the tracking mechanism for the institutional funds.

2. Student Identity Card (Returning Students)

For students in their second year and above, the university-issued ID card is required. This confirms your status as a continuing student with an active matriculation number. If you have lost your ID card, you may be required to present a sworn affidavit and a letter of identification from your Head of Department (HOD).

3. The Refund Application Package

A significant portion of the Second Batch consists of students who, in an act of academic prudence, paid their 2025/2026 registration fees out-of-pocket to avoid registration delays. Since NELFUND has now approved their loans, these students are entitled to a full reimbursement. To claim this, you must present:

• A Formal Letter of Refund: Addressed to the Bursar, requesting the return of fees paid now that NELFUND has covered the cost.

• Evidence of Payment: A copy of the bank teller or online transaction receipt used during the initial registration.

Operational Guidelines and Batch Discipline

The University Management has emphasized that this exercise is strictly batch-based.

• Batch Exclusivity: If your name is not on the Second Batch list currently posted at the Bursary, you will not be attended to. This is to ensure that the Desk Officer can manage the data uploads to the NELFUND portal efficiently.

• Punctuality: With the window closing on February 20th, students should avoid the “final day rush.” Technical issues with biometric verification or document vetting are easier to resolve during the first week of the exercise.

• Compliance: All students must adhere to the 10:00 a.m. start time. The Bursary staff utilizes the early morning hours for data reconciliation before opening the doors for physical verification.

Administrative Oversight and Support

Bashar Baba Aminu, the NELFUND Desk Officer, remains the primary point of contact for this exercise. The University recognizes that financial matters can be sensitive, and the Desk Office is committed to ensuring that every eligible student is captured.

Students who encounter discrepancies—such as their name appearing on the list but having a wrong matriculation number—should report immediately to the Desk Officer during the verification hours. It is also important for students to ensure that their bank account details provided for refunds are active and match the name on their university records to avoid “failed transaction” errors during disbursement.

Conclusion: Securing Your Academic Future

The verification for the Second Batch of NELFUND beneficiaries at Zamfara State University is a vital step in maintaining the institution’s financial stability and supporting student welfare. By providing the federal government with verified data, ZAMSUT ensures that the loan scheme remains sustainable and that students receive the financial relief they have been promised.

The Management congratulates all students on the Second Batch list and urges them to be ambassadors of order and compliance during their visit to the Temporary Site.