Daniel Adaji
Despite claims by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) that it has disbursed over ₦183.8 billion to students nationwide, undergraduates across several federal and state institutions have alleged that they are yet to receive either their institutional fees or monthly upkeep allowances.
In its latest daily status report, NELFUND stated that a total of ₦183,885,809,491 had been disbursed since the launch of the student loan portal on May 24, 2024. The agency said ₦107 billion was paid directly to institutions for tuition, while ₦76.7 billion covered students’ upkeep allowances. It also reported that more than 983,000 students have benefited from the scheme so far.
However, reactions on NELFUND’s official Facebook page tell a different story.
Students Voice Frustration
Benedict Onotu, who identified himself as a student of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Delta State, said students were given assurances during a recent visit by NELFUND officials but are yet to receive funds.
“Please to the Managing Director of NELFUND, you came to our school just last week SDU Ozoro Delta State, and you assured us we will get our loan to pay our fees this week. Next week is our exam and we’re yet to receive any payment. Please sir, I thought you want the Nigeria student to be focused and prepare for their exams,” he wrote.
Another commenter, Emmanuel Ita, alleged delays at the University of Uyo.
“Even Uniuyo 2025/2026 haven’t received disbursement yet,” he stated.
Aleeyu Ahmerd, who claimed to be from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, said: “We’re yet to receive our February upkeep.”
Similarly, Abubakar Sadeeq called attention to the plight of students at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL).
“Hi Nigerian Education Loan Fund, we the students of IBBUL are yet to receive both school fees and upkeep. Pls help us out,” he wrote.
At the Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies, Abdulraham Mustapha alleged that neither institutional fees nor upkeep had been paid.
“Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies Ringim are yet to receive neither institution fee nor upkeep,” he said.
A student who identified as Otherma Abraham complained about prolonged delays in upkeep payments.
“Why our upkeep are not disbursement since November? From Nov. 25 till now we’ve not received any upkeep at least four months. Why?” the student queried.
At the Northwest University Kano, a student echoed similar concerns, alleging stoppage of allowances after reapplying for a new session.
John Muller, claiming to be from the Federal University of Transportation Daura, wrote: “We’re yet to receive our February upkeep.”
Students of University of Medical Sciences Ondo (UNIMED) and University of Calabar (UNICAL) also raised complaints.
“Hello NELFUND, I’m a UNICAL student and I’ve not received upkeep since December. Pls help me,” wrote Nikki Dollars.
Dakas Na’anshep, who said he had been verified since January 6, 2026, questioned what he described as selective payment.
“My institutional fee was disbursed around January but I haven’t received any upkeep. Please why this selective payment?” he asked.
NELFUND was established following the signing of the Student Loan Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and ease the financial burden on students and their families.
The loan portal officially launched on May 24, 2024, initially targeting students of federal tertiary institutions before expanding to state-owned institutions. The scheme provides interest-free loans covering institutional charges, paid directly to schools, as well as monthly upkeep allowances paid to verified student accounts.
Since inception, the programme has faced operational challenges, including verification delays, technical glitches on the application portal, complaints of incomplete documentation, and allegations of slow disbursement. Some institutions have also reported reconciliation issues between NELFUND payments and internal bursary records.
While NELFUND maintains that disbursement figures reflect payments processed, the growing number of public complaints suggests a gap between reported releases and students’ actual receipt of funds.
As examinations approach in many institutions, affected students are urging the agency to address the delays urgently to prevent disruption to their academic activities.
