Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has condemned tertiary institutions accused of delaying or refusing to refund tuition fees paid by students before the disbursement of student loans, warning that the practice undermines the objectives of the federal student support scheme.
In a statement issued on Monday, NELFUND said reports of delayed refunds and arbitrary increases in institutional charges had raised concerns about compliance among some higher institutions.
The agency said the student loan programme, introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is designed to remove financial barriers to higher education and should not impose additional burdens on students and their families.
“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 said.
The statement, signed by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said some institutions had either delayed or refused to refund fees already paid by eligible students before NELFUND disbursements reached their schools.
NELFUND said the practices contradict the objectives of the national student support programme and place unnecessary financial pressure on students and their families.
The agency disclosed that it is engaging affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that eligible students receive their refunds promptly.
It also urged institutions to maintain transparent and fair charges that align with the goals of the student loan initiative.
According to the Fund, preserving public confidence in the student loan scheme remains a priority as more students continue to access financial support through the programme.
“NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” the statement said.
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