The management of Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT), Talata Mafara, has announced the start of the physical verification exercise for students listed in the Second Batch of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The announcement was made through an official circular from the Office of the Bursar, signed by the university’s NELFUND Desk Officer, Bashar Baba Aminu. Affected students are required to appear in person for verification, which is a compulsory step before loan records are finalized and any applicable refunds are processed.

Why the Verification Exercise Matters

The NELFUND initiative is a federal government intervention aimed at easing the financial burden on Nigerian students by providing access to education loans. However, before funds are fully reconciled, universities must confirm beneficiary details to prevent errors and impersonation.

At ZAMSUT, this verification exercise serves three major purposes:

• Confirming student identity to ensure loans are linked to the correct individual
  
• Reconciling school fee payments, especially for students who paid before loan approval
  
• Maintaining batch accuracy, which helps the Bursary Department manage records efficiently
  

For students expecting refunds or confirmation of fee coverage, participation in this exercise is non-negotiable.

Verification Dates, Time, and Venue

Students listed under the Second Batch are expected to attend the verification within the approved timeframe below:

• Dates: 9th February (Monday) – 20th February (Friday) 2026
  
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
  
• Venue: Bursary Department, Temporary Site, Talata Mafara
  

The university has clarified that verification will only take place Monday to Friday, and students are advised not to wait until the final days to avoid unnecessary delays.

Documents Required for Verification

To ensure a smooth verification process, students must come along with all required documents. Incomplete documentation may result in disqualification for the current batch.

1. School Fees Remita (RRR Slip)

Every student must present their Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) or school fees payment slip. This serves as the official financial record, whether or not NELFUND is covering the fees.

2. Student Identity Card (For Returning Students)

Students in 200 level and above must present their ZAMSUT student ID card. Those without an ID card may be required to provide additional identification documents as directed by the Bursary Department.

3. Refund Application Documents (If Applicable)

Students who paid their school fees before NELFUND approval and are now eligible for a refund must present:

• A formal refund request letter addressed to the Bursar
  
• Proof of payment, such as a bank teller or transaction receipt
  

These documents will enable the university to process reimbursements accurately.

Important Guidelines for Students

The university has emphasized strict adherence to the verification rules:

• Batch restriction: Only students whose names appear on the Second Batch list will be attended to
  
• Early arrival encouraged: Students are advised to visit early in the verification window to avoid congestion
  
• Accuracy matters: Any discrepancy in names, matriculation numbers, or bank details should be reported immediately
  

Students are also reminded to ensure their bank account details are active and correctly linked to their university records to prevent failed refund transactions.

Support and Administrative Oversight

The entire exercise is being coordinated by Bashar Baba Aminu, the NELFUND Desk Officer at ZAMSUT. Students who encounter issues such as incorrect details or documentation challenges are encouraged to seek clarification directly at the verification venue during official hours.

The university assures students that the process is designed to be transparent and student-focused.

Final Note to Beneficiaries

The Second Batch NELFUND verification exercise is a crucial step in securing financial support for eligible students of Zamfara State University. By completing this process promptly and correctly, students help ensure the smooth release of funds and the long-term success of the loan scheme.

All affected students are urged to comply fully and conduct themselves orderly throughout the exercise.