Release Our Upkeep Allowances Now, Students Tell NELFUND, Ministers

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded the immediate release of outstanding upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to the beneficiaries.

The association warned that continued delays are worsening the hardship faced by beneficiaries at the affected tertiary institutions.

In a press statement issued by Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, president of NANS, he asked the managing director of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, the minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa and the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to urgently intervene and ensure that all bottlenecks responsible for the delay are immediately addressed.

He said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has received with grave concern a series of complaints from Nigerian students regarding the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

“I have it on good authority that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months, with no clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities.

“This unfortunate situation has generated widespread anxiety among Nigerian students who are beneficiaries of the scheme across the country.”

According to him, the continued delay in disbursing these allowances is completely unacceptable, noting that the primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in light of prevailing economic realities.

“Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established.

“We urge the relevant authorities to provide a clear explanation to Nigerian students and commence the disbursement of all outstanding upkeep allowances without further delay,” he added.

NANS further called on NELFUND and all relevant stakeholders to resolve all issues relating to the delayed upkeep payments and ensure that students receive their entitlements.

“Failure to do this within the shortest possible time will leave Nigerian students with no option but to embark on peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken to address the situation.

“This notice 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,” the NANS president stated.