Victoria Mgbanwa
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized tertiary institutions accused of withholding student loans intended to alleviate financial stress, warning that it will organize widespread protests if such unethical actions continue.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is at the center of a growing controversy as investigations reveal that some universities, in connivance with banks, have failed to inform students about loan disbursements made on their behalf while still demanding tuition fees.
According to a report by PUNCH Online, findings from the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) uncovered disturbing patterns of deception among some institutions. This revelation surfaced during a weekend meeting between the NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
In a statement signed by NOA spokesperson Paul Odenyi, NELFUND accused several universities of withholding information about loan payments already credited to students’ accounts, effectively forcing them to pay fees they should have been exempt from.
Reacting sharply, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the actions of the implicated institutions as “a betrayal of trust” and a “direct attack on the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.”
“These actions, which include failing to inform students about loan disbursements and demanding tuition payments despite receiving funds, are not only deceptive but also a betrayal of the trust placed in these institutions,” Adeyemi said.
He warned that such practices could escalate the already dire challenges Nigerian students face, undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to make higher education more accessible through the student loan scheme.
Adeyemi further stressed that NANS would not tolerate such injustices and is prepared to mobilise nationwide protests and explore legal channels to ensure students receive the financial aid they are entitled to.
“NANS will not hesitate to take decisive action, including mobilising protests and legal measures, to ensure that students receive the financial support they are entitled to,” he warned.
NANS has called on affected students to report any irregularities to its leadership at the state level, assuring them of full backing in their quest for justice. The student body also urged NELFUND and NOA to intensify investigations and hold guilty institutions accountable.
