Students at Yobe State University broke into celebration after receiving their Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) upkeep payments covering May, June, and July 2026. A viral video of the moment, shared by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, July 29, captured the group's unrestrained joy as they waved receipts and cheered.
How NELFUND Disburses Payments
NELFUND splits its financial aid into two channels: institutional charges paid directly to public tertiary institutions, and a monthly upkeep stipend sent to each verified beneficiary's commercial bank account. The Yobe State University students received backlog upkeep payments for three months rather than a single monthly credit, explaining the intensity of their celebration.
Students Across Nigeria React
The video prompted a wave of responses from students at other institutions who said they were still waiting for their own disbursements. @IsrealisonD wrote: "We at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education want to celebrate too. Pls, Mr. President, look into this." @BukemBukola raised a separate concern: "Lagos State University of Education has refused to refund students after all the letter writing and printing ... still nothing from the school. Please help us."
Not all reactions were complaints. @DeeJay_of_WEB3 wrote: "I just dey see my own now... joy wan wound me." @AdeOmoAde14a suggested: "Nelfund do this one o, I too Dey happy, make den pay us every two month sef, at least d money do Dey tangible." @Adesola3331 pressed: "When will August upkeep drop?" One comment drew attention to an alleged previous remark by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi: @tiwalola_Kuks wrote: "Nah wetin Obi call 'waste of money be this'."
NANS Names Institutions Over NELFUND Refund Delays
Legit.ng previously reported that the National Association of Nigerian Students named 41 tertiary institutions it alleged received duplicate NELFUND tuition payments without refunding affected students. The list followed NELFUND's investigation into institutions accused of withholding excess tuition payments made under the federal student loan scheme on behalf of eligible students.
According to NANS President Afeez, the Yobe State University disbursement marks progress, but the association continues to monitor other institutions for compliance. The viral video has amplified demands for NELFUND to extend coverage to all eligible students across the country.
