The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has issued a statement to address the recent surge of inaccurate and misleading reports circulating in the public space regarding the administration of the student loan scheme.
The agency expressed concern over the spread of false information, which it believes is aimed at undermining public trust and sabotaging a national intervention designed to expand access to tertiary education.
Transparency and Accountability
NELFUND emphasized its commitment to transparency and cooperation with oversight agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The agency assured the public that it has complied fully with every request for information and will continue to uphold the highest standards of public accountability.
Automated Loan System
The agency highlighted the robustness of its fully automated loan system, which eliminates opportunities for financial misconduct. Every application and disbursement is digitally tracked, time-stamped, and verifiable, ensuring that funds are managed efficiently and effectively.
Direct Payments to Institutions
NELFUND clarified that all institutional fees are paid directly to verified institutions, while upkeep allowances are disbursed to the verified bank accounts of eligible student applicants. This process ensures that funds are utilized for their intended purpose, without any room for misappropriation or mismanagement.
Misrepresentation of Figures
The agency pointed out that the figures and funding amounts being misrepresented in the public domain are drawn from entirely different education financing interventions that predate NELFUND’s operational commencement. These figures bear no relevance to the current student loan scheme and should not be falsely attributed to the agency.
Call to Action
NELFUND urged the media, stakeholders, and the public to resist the pull of sensationalism and await verified updates directly from the agency. The agency remains focused, undeterred, and committed to the transparent delivery of its national mandate.