The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced serious concerns over the delayed disbursement of upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme. In a statement released on Saturday, June 20, 2026, NANS President Akinteye Afeez Babatunde described the situation as “completely unacceptable” and warned of peaceful mass action if the issues are not resolved promptly.
Background of the NELFUND Scheme
The NELFUND initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, provides financial support to students at the University of Ibadan (UI) and other institutions across Nigeria. Beneficiaries receive assistance for institutional fees paid directly to schools, as well as monthly upkeep stipends. However, according to NANS, the disbursement of upkeep allowances has been on hold since around April 2026, with no clear explanation from authorities.
NANS Expresses Grave Concern
Babatunde stated that the association has received numerous complaints from students facing financial distress due to the delays. “This unfortunate situation has generated widespread anxiety among Nigerian students who are beneficiaries across the country,” he said. He emphasized that the primary objective of NELFUND is to provide relief and support amidst prevailing economic realities, and any delay undermines the initiative’s purpose.
Call for Urgent Intervention
NANS called on Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND; Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education; and Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance, to intervene and address the bottlenecks causing the delay. The association warned that failure to resolve the issues within the shortest period would leave students with no option but to embark on peaceful mass action, including occupying the NELFUND head office.
Previous Reports on NELFUND
In related news, Sawyerr had earlier urged students to take full advantage of the loan scheme, describing it as a historic initiative to make higher education accessible regardless of financial background. The scheme aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to education. Additionally, reports have indicated that NELFUND received N50 billion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to boost funding, and the University of Ibadan announced a refund of fees after NELFUND paid for 1,370 students.
NANS remains resolute in its demand for timely disbursement of allowances, warning that continued delays will provoke student protests across the country.
