Student body gives NELFUND, Education & Finance Ministers ultimatum to release payments or face occupation of head office
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has raised the alarm over the non-payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying the delay has lasted two months with “no clear explanation or accountability” from authorities.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, NANS said the situation has triggered widespread anxiety among thousands of Nigerian students across the country who depend on the monthly upkeep support to meet basic needs.
“Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable,” the statement read.
NANS argued that the primary objective of NELFUND was to provide relief to students amid current economic realities. “Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established,” it added.
The student body is now calling on three key officials to intervene urgently: NELFUND Managing Director Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr; Honourable Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa; and Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.
NANS demanded that the authorities identify and resolve all bottlenecks responsible for the delay, provide a clear explanation to students, and commence immediate payment of all outstanding allowances.
The association warned that failure to act within the shortest possible time would force Nigerian students to embark on “peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken.”
However, NANS clarified that the planned action “should not be construed as a threat but as a legitimate expression of the frustrations of thousands of Nigerian students whose welfare continues to be adversely affected by the prolonged delay.”
“I wish to assure Nigerian students of my firm commitment to protecting their interests and amplifying our collective voice on matters affecting their academic pursuits and well-being,” the statement concluded.
NELFUND was launched by the Federal Government to provide interest-free loans and upkeep allowances to indigent tertiary students. As of press time, NELFUND authorities were yet to issue an official response to NANS’ demands.
