The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed strong concerns over the alleged failure of several tertiary institutions to inform students about student loan disbursements made on their behalf by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while continuing to demand tuition fees from the affected students.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the actions of these institutions as “deceptive and a betrayal of trust,” warning that such practices threaten to deepen the financial burden faced by many Nigerian students.
This reaction follows a statement released by NELFUND Spokesman, Paul Odenyi, in which the agency alleged that despite disbursing funds to some institutions, many have failed to notify the beneficiary students, and are instead still demanding payment of tuition fees.
“These actions, which include failing to inform students about loan disbursements and demanding tuition payments despite receiving funds, are not only deceptive but also a betrayal of the trust placed in these institutions,” the NELFUND statement read.
According to a recent investigation by PUNCH Online, some universities, in collaboration with banks, are allegedly withholding the disbursed loan funds from students. The findings were compiled by Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), following reports of unethical practices surrounding the federal government’s student loan scheme.
The revelations came to light during a recent meeting between the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
Reacting further, Adeyemi stated, “NANS views these practices as a direct attack on the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, many of whom rely on these loans to access higher education and alleviate financial burdens.”
He warned institutions engaging in such conduct to desist, stating that NANS will not hesitate to mobilise protests and take legal action against any school found culpable.
“Such actions exacerbate the challenges faced by students and undermine the federal government’s efforts to provide accessible education through the student loan programme,” he added.
NANS called on students to report any cases of withheld loan disbursements to its leadership in their respective states, pledging full support in the fight for accountability and justice.
“Furthermore, we call on the relevant authorities, including NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency, to intensify their efforts in investigating and addressing these malpractices,” Adeyemi said.
The student body reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students nationwide.
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