Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has begun disbursing June and July upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, ending weeks of uncertainty for thousands of students awaiting payment.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which said the payment process is now underway and all outstanding allowances will be paid in phases.
NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, urged students who are yet to receive their stipends to remain patient, assuring them that eligible beneficiaries would receive their payments as the disbursement continues nationwide.
According to him, the phased payment system is designed to ensure that all qualified students enrolled under the scheme receive their monthly upkeep allowances.
The latest disbursement follows weeks of concerns expressed by students over delays in the payment of the June and July stipends.
Shortly after the announcement, several beneficiaries shared screenshots of credit alerts on the social media platform X, confirming receipt of the outstanding allowances.
NELFUND’s student loan programme provides successful applicants in eligible tertiary institutions with monthly upkeep allowances, while tuition fees are paid directly to their institutions.
The scheme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to remove financial barriers to higher education and improve access to tertiary education for Nigerian students.
Student leaders expressed optimism that the commencement of payments would ease financial hardship for beneficiaries and restore confidence in the implementation of the student loan programme.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
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