Students from 23 public universities and polytechnics are voicing their frustration over delayed disbursements of approved institutional loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with tuition payment and exam deadlines fast approaching.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act on April 3, 2024, NELFUND has benefited many Nigerian students. To date, the fund has processed 364,042 applications and disbursed over N20 billion for institutional fees to nearly 193,000 students, with an additional N12.8 billion allocated for monthly stipends for 169,114 students.
However, recent verified posts on X have revealed that students from institutions including the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University, Lokoja, Ladoke Akintola University, and others in Northern Nigeria, have yet to see their funds. With school portals closing and exams looming, anxiety is mounting.
One University of Maiduguri student, Musty Jr (@JrMusty58254), tweeted, “I applied and was verified since August, yet I have received nothing. Please, do something for us before next Wednesday. I am in serious financial crisis.” Similarly, Orji Oyidiya Chukwu (@OyidiyaOrji) highlighted that his brother at UNIZIK still awaits both upkeep money and fee payments, with deadlines imminent.
Stephen Ayobami from the Federal University, Lokoja, added, “We applied last May and have been verified, but there’s been no disbursement. Our school portal is closing this week, and exams start on the 10th!”
At Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano, the Students’ Union Public Relations Officer warned that unpaid fees could cause severe disruptions, a sentiment echoed by Abba Yusuf, who noted that verified students have yet to receive any funds. Students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and polytechnics such as The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and LAUTECH have raised similar concerns.
A NELFUND official, speaking anonymously, explained that delays often stem from schools failing to promptly verify student data and tuition fees, despite repeated reminders.
As deadlines draw near, students are left in limbo, anxiously awaiting the funds crucial for their academic progression.
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