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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it has received complaints from Nigerian students regarding the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
NANS threatened that it might be compelled to embark on peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken to address the situation.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez raised the concern in a statement on Sunday, saying he had it on good authority that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months.
According to NANS, there is no clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities, adding that the unfortunate situation has generated widespread anxiety among Nigerian students who are beneficiaries across the country.
“Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable. The primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities. Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established,”Afeez stated.
NANS called on 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. Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently intervene and ensure that all bottlenecks responsible for the delay are immediately addressed.
“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.
“Consequently, NANS hereby call 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 period of 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.
“I wish to assure Nigerian students of my firm commitment to protecting their interests and amplifying our collective voice on matters affecting their academic pursuits and well-being. I remain committed to the advancement and welfare of Nigerian students,” NANS stated.
