Students from at least 23 public universities and polytechnics have expressed their concerns about the slow disbursement of their approved loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, especially as deadlines for tuition payment and examinations approach.
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On April 3, 2024, President Bola Tinubu enacted the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act to ensure sustainable funding for higher education for Nigerian students.
READ ALSO: Complete NELFUND Student Loan 2025 Application Guide
Since the launch of the fund, numerous students across tertiary institutions have received assistance.
As of February 3, 2025, NELFUND reported that it had processed 364,042 applications for student loans and had allocated N20,074,050,000 for institutional fees, aiding 192,906 students.
An additional N12,818,960,000 was designated for 169,114 students, each receiving a monthly stipend of N20,000 for living expenses.
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Despite this, students from various institutions, including University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University Lokoja, Ladoke Akintola University, and others in Northern Nigeria, voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the delay in receiving their approved loans in response to NELFUND's verified posts on X throughout the week.
Many students pointed out that their school portals were closing soon, with exams just around the corner.
On Saturday, Musty Jr (@JrMusty58254) commented, “I study at the University of Maiduguri. I applied and was verified back in August, but I haven’t received any assistance from this initiative. Please, do something for us before next Wednesday. I am facing a serious financial crisis!”
In a similar vein, Orji Oyidiya Chukwu (@OyidiyaOrji) expressed worry on Sunday by tweeting, “@NELFUND, my brother hasn’t gotten his upkeep money or institutional fees, and UNIZIK is closing its portal on Friday, February 14. Please, assist!”
By Monday, more students shared their frustrations. Stephen Ayobami from Federal University Lokoja in Kogi wrote, “@NELFUND, please don’t forget us. We applied since May of last year and have been verified, yet there’s been no approval or disbursement.
“Many students are in limbo as our school portal is closing this week, and exams are set to start on the 10th of next month!”
At Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano, the Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union, Muhammad Nura, released a circular on Tuesday, warning that failing to pay tuition fees before the deadline could lead to serious problems for students.
Confirming the lack of disbursement, Abba Yusuf from the same university stated, “Why haven’t the funds for Aliko Dangote University students been released? Both upkeep and institutional fees are still unpaid. We have been verified since August 2024, yet we have not received any payment!”
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In the same manner, Bryan (@Chime69.23h), a student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, remarked, “I have been verified since June 2024, yet I still have not received any disbursement—neither for institutional fees nor upkeep. My school has launched a new academic session, and I need to pay my fees!”
Some Polytechnic students also voiced their concerns. Oladiran Kayode noted that many students at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, had yet to receive their institutional and upkeep loans.
Meanwhile, Kolapo James Ayomi (@kolapojames01) from LAUTECH expressed frustration, saying, “Tests and exams have already started, but we cannot register our courses without settling our tuition fees!”
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, a NELFUND official, who wished to remain anonymous due to a lack of authorization to discuss the issue, attributed the disbursement delays to the schools.
The source explained, “Often, these problems do not stem from us. Once we approve the payments, we return the students’ information to the schools for verification.
“The schools are then expected to confirm the validity of the students and the tuition fees before we can proceed. However, many institutions do not respond in a timely manner. We are compelled to keep sending emails and reminders.”