The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, has expressed concern over the alleged non-disbursement of student loans by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
NANS noted with disappointment the non-disbursement of the students’ loan despite claims that funds have already been released.
The findings were presented by the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers of the National Orientation Agency, following reports of unethical practices during a meeting between the Director General of NOA, Mallam Issa-Onilu, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
A statement issued by the agency’s spokesman, Paul Odenyi, explained that NELFUND alleged that several institutions have failed to inform students about loan disbursements made on their behalf, while still demanding tuition payments.
The NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, while reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday, described such practices as “deceptive and a betrayal of trust by the universities.”
Adeyemi noted that such practices could further compound the challenges faced by Nigerian students, stressing that the actions, including 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.
NANS viewed the practices as a direct attack on the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, many of whom rely on the loans to access higher education and alleviate financial burdens.
According to the statement, “Such actions exacerbate the challenges faced by students and undermine the federal government’s efforts to provide accessible education through the student loan programme.”
The students’ body warned institutions that it would not hesitate to protest against any institution found culpable of engaging in such practices.
NANS also advised the affected students to report any such cases to its leadership in their respective states, assuring that 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.
NANS then called on the relevant authorities, including NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency, to intensify their efforts in investigating and addressing these malpractices, saying that it remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of students across the nation.
The students urged all affected students to report any irregularities to the NANS leadership in their state and assured them of their unwavering support in the fight for justice.
