The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced serious concerns over the prolonged delay in the payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the situation as unfair and harmful to students across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said the association had received numerous complaints from students who have not received their upkeep allowances for the past two months.
According to him, the delay has persisted without any clear explanation from the relevant authorities, leaving many beneficiaries uncertain about when payments will resume.
Akinteye noted that the development has caused significant hardship and anxiety among students who depend on the allowances to meet basic needs and support their education amid the current economic realities.
He stated that information available to the association indicates that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has remained suspended for two months, creating widespread concern among beneficiaries nationwide.
The NANS president emphasized that the NELFUND scheme was established to ease the financial burden on students and improve access to education. He argued that delays in releasing the allowances defeat the purpose of the initiative and negatively affect the students it was designed to assist.
He described the continued delay as unacceptable, stressing that withholding the allowances undermines the objective of providing financial support to Nigerian students.
Akinteye therefore called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently address the issues responsible for the delay.
He urged the concerned authorities to provide a clear explanation to affected students and ensure that all outstanding upkeep allowances are paid without further delay.
NANS also warned that if the matter is not resolved promptly, students may be compelled to embark on peaceful protests, including occupying the NELFUND headquarters, until concrete actions are taken to address their concerns.
According to Akinteye, such actions would become necessary if authorities fail to respond within a reasonable timeframe.
However, he clarified that the association’s position should not be viewed as a threat but rather as a reflection of the frustration and difficulties currently being experienced by thousands of students affected by the delay.
He reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, assuring beneficiaries that the association would continue to advocate for their rights and ensure their concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Akinteye added that NANS remains dedicated to promoting the academic success, welfare, and overall well-being of students across the country.
