Students Threaten Nationwide Protest Over Delayed NELFund Allowances


 

By Abel Chigozie 


Students benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) have threatened to stage nationwide protests over delays in the payment of their monthly upkeep allowances, expressing frustration over the prolonged wait despite repeated assurances from authorities.


The affected students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), accused NELFund of failing to disburse upkeep stipends to many beneficiaries for several months, creating financial hardship for students who depend on the funds for feeding, transportation, and other essential expenses. 


NANS leaders warned that if the issue is not urgently addressed, students across tertiary institutions may be compelled to embark on peaceful demonstrations to draw the attention of the Federal Government and relevant agencies to their plight.


According to the student body, while tuition payments have reportedly been made to several institutions under the student loan scheme, many beneficiaries have yet to receive the accompanying upkeep allowances promised by the programme. The association said the delay has left numerous students struggling to cope with rising living costs on campuses.


The students called on NELFund management to provide a clear explanation for the delay and immediately commence the release of outstanding payments. They stressed that the success of the student loan initiative depends not only on tuition coverage but also on the timely payment of maintenance allowances.


In response, NELFund officials reportedly acknowledged challenges in the disbursement process and assured beneficiaries that efforts were underway to resolve technical and administrative bottlenecks responsible for the delays.


The student loan scheme, introduced by the Federal Government to expand access to higher education, provides tuition support and monthly upkeep allowances to eligible students in public tertiary institutions across the country. Students, however, insist that delayed payments could undermine confidence in the programme if urgent action is not taken. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

Image
  By Ajimati Samuel  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election. In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, stressing that although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the EFCC's move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election. Tinubu clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order on August 5, 2026, and reiterated his administration's commitment to allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference. According to the President, institutions es...
Read more

Accord Shocks APC, Wins Omisore’s Polling Unit in Osun Governorship Election

Image
  By Abdulahi Musa  The Accord Party has won the governorship election at the polling unit of former Osun Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore. Results uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed that Accord secured 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1 (Moore), St. Gabriel Primary School, in Ife East Local Government Area. The APC placed second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only a few votes at the polling unit. The development marks another early gain for Accord as the collation of results from polling units across Osun State continues. The victory comes shortly after Accord also prevailed at the polling unit of former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Accord recorded 125 votes there, defeating the APC, which polled 85 vo...
Read more

Imesi-Ile Youth Leader Celebrates Six New Lawyers, Commends IPA for Honouring Outstanding Achievers

Image
  By Abosede Adekunle  The National Youth Leader of Imesi-Ile, Comrade John Rotimi Fakanlu, has congratulated six indigenes of the community who were recently called to the Nigerian Bar, describing their achievement as a significant milestone that reflects the community's growing commitment to academic excellence and professional development. In a statement released on Saturday, Fakanlu also expressed appreciation to the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), National Body, for recognising and celebrating the newly inducted legal practitioners. He specifically commended the National President of the association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and the General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, for what he described as a thoughtful initiative aimed at encouraging excellence among the youths of the community. The six newly qualified Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are Barr. Temidayo Fabiyi, Barr. Iyanuoluwa Babaniyi, Barr. Similoluwa Jegede, Barr. Taiwo Mayow...
Read more