By Felix Khanoba
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has condemned what it described as unethical practices by some universities and other tertiary institutions over the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, accusing them of withholding tuition refunds due to students and imposing arbitrary fee increases.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Fund said it had received reports that some institutions were delaying or refusing to refund students whose tuition fees had already been paid before NELFUND released loan disbursements to their schools.
NELFUND expressed concern that the actions of the affected institutions undermine the objectives of the student loan programme introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand access to higher education.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has noted with concern reports of some tertiary institutions delaying or refusing to refund students whose tuition fees had already been paid before NELFUND disbursements, as well as arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges,” the statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said.
It stressed that the initiative was designed to ease the financial burden on students rather than create new challenges.
“The Student Loan Scheme, an initiative of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was established to remove financial barriers to higher education, not to create additional burdens for Nigerian students,” the statement added.
NELFUND disclosed that it has commenced engagements with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to address the reported infractions.
According to the agency, “NELFUND is engaging the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that due refunds are made to eligible students and that institutional charges remain fair, transparent, and consistent with the objectives of the Scheme.”
The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding students’ interests and ensuring the credibility of the student loan programme.
“NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” the statement said.
