NELFUND Raises Alarm Over Tuition Refund Delays, Fee Hikes by Some Institutions

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has accused some tertiary institutions of frustrating the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme through practices it described as unfair to beneficiaries.

In a public notice issued on Monday, the agency said it had received complaints that several institutions were withholding refunds from students who had paid their tuition before NELFUND later settled the same fees on their behalf.

The Fund also expressed concern over reports of arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges, warning that such actions undermine the objective of the student loan programme.

According to NELFUND, the scheme was introduced to make higher education more accessible by reducing financial obstacles facing students, not to create additional costs or administrative bottlenecks.

It disclosed that discussions are already underway with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that eligible students receive their refunds without unnecessary delays. The agency added that schools are expected to maintain transparent and reasonable charges in line with the principles of the programme.

NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of student beneficiaries and preserving public confidence in the education loan initiative.

The statement was signed by the Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.