Students from over 23 public universities and polytechnics in Nigeria have expressed frustration over the delayed disbursement of their approved institutional loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). With deadlines for tuition payment and examinations fast approaching, many students are struggling to meet financial obligations.
Background on the Student Loan Act
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President Bola Tinubu signed the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act into law on April 3, 2024. The Act aims to provide sustainable funding for higher education, ensuring that eligible Nigerian students receive financial support for tuition and upkeep.
Since the commencement of the loan scheme, several students have benefited. As of February 3, 2025, NELFUND had received 364,042 student loan applications and disbursed N20,074,050,000 for institutional fees, benefiting 192,906 students. Additionally, N12,818,960,000 was allocated to 169,114 students, each receiving a N20,000 monthly stipend for upkeep.
Students Express Frustration Over Delayed Disbursement
Despite these figures, many students have voiced concerns over the non-disbursement of approved loans. Institutions such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University Lokoja, Ladoke Akintola University, and others in Northern Nigeria have seen multiple complaints from students awaiting funds.
On social media, students have raised their concerns. Musty Jr (@JrMusty58254) from the University of Maiduguri stated, “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) tweeted, “@NELFUND, my brother hasn’t received either the upkeep money or institutional fees, and his school (UNIZIK) is closing its portal on February 14. Please help!”
Another student, Stephen Ayobami from Federal University, Lokoja, added, “@NELFUND, please remember us. We applied since May last year, got verified, but still no approval or disbursement. Many students are stranded as our school portal is closing this week, and exams start on the 10th of next month.”
University Officials and Polytechnic Students Also Affected
At Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano, the Students’ Union Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Nura, issued a circular warning that failure to pay tuition fees before the deadline could lead to severe academic consequences. Confirming the issue, Abba Yusuf from the same institution stated, “Why haven’t you disbursed funds for our students? Both upkeep and institutional fees remain unpaid. We have been verified since August 2024, yet not a single payment has been made.”
Bryan (@Chime69.23h), a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, added, “I have been verified since June 2024, yet I haven’t received any disbursement. My school has started a new academic session, and I need to pay my fees.”
Polytechnic students are also facing similar challenges. Oladiran Kayode highlighted that many students from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are yet to receive their institutional and upkeep loans. Likewise, Kolapo James Ayomi (@kolapojames01) from LAUTECH lamented, “Tests and exams have begun, yet without paying our tuition fees, we can’t register our courses!”
NELFUND Responds to Disbursement Delays
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a NELFUND official, who requested anonymity, attributed the delays to some institutions’ failure to verify students’ data promptly. “Most times, these issues don’t originate from us. Once we approve the payments, we send the students’ data back to the schools for verification. The schools must confirm the validity of students and tuition fees before we proceed. However, many institutions fail to respond promptly, and we have to keep sending emails and reminders.”
Way Forward for Students Awaiting Disbursement
As the situation unfolds, students are encouraged to keep checking updates from NELFUND and maintain communication with their institutions regarding the verification process. Universities and polytechnics must also prioritize verification to ensure smooth fund disbursement.
Students facing financial strain due to these delays should explore alternative means of funding or seek temporary relief from their school authorities while awaiting disbursement.
Source: Punch NG
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