By IRE MEDIA News Desk
A former Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE), Comr. Oke Oludele Adesola, has raised serious concerns over the non-disbursement of funds under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), despite students receiving official approval.
In an open letter addressed to the concerned authorities, including the Minister of Education, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the leadership of various student bodies, Comr. Adesola lamented the failure of NELFUND to fulfill its promise to students.
According to the letter, the loan scheme, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was expected to cover tuition fees (₦120,000) and monthly stipends (₦240,000) disbursed as ₦20,000 per month for upkeep. However, many students, despite being approved for the loan, have not received any funds.
“Despite applying since last year and receiving approval in our portals, not a single kobo has been disbursed for either tuition or upkeep. This raises concerns, as the loans remain recorded in our names, meaning deductions could be made from our accounts in the future for funds we never received,” the letter stated.
The situation at AOPE appears particularly dire, with students resorting to alternative means to pay their tuition fees, even as they remain legally bound to repay the loans. Investigations reportedly revealed that only a fraction of the promised amount was disbursed to the institution, leaving each beneficiary with a sum that barely reaches ₦50,000, far below the expected ₦360,000.
Comr. Adesola described the development as a “betrayal of trust” and a threat to the credibility of the NELFUND program. He called on the federal government and relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure transparency in the disbursement process.
“If the government is truly committed to youth empowerment and educational transformation, then this issue must not be swept under the carpet. The credibility of the NELFUND program is at stake, and failing to rectify this injustice would be a slap on our democracy,” he asserted.
The letter, copied to various stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at different levels, demands that the promised funds be sent to students without further delay.
With growing concerns over financial burdens on students, the response from NELFUND and government agencies will be crucial in restoring confidence in the student loan initiative.
Stay connected to IRE MEDIA for updates on this developing story.
Despite all the complaints, I tried to apply for my own but still not working. It keeps saying I should visit my education officer. Whereas, we have provided all the necessary requirements to our department before now.
Some were eligible why most of us are not eligible
Despite being approved on the nelfund portal,I haven’t received a dime not even the monthly 20k upkeep payments it’s so bad
This is really not fair some students were eligible and some were not.
My loan is still on pending since January and some people that applied after I did already got their loan approved
I had to take leave of absence just because of this the school didn’t want to wait anymore for us to get verified so I was unable to write my exam this is really bad and it affected a lot of student
Have been approved but haven’t been paid
I only received for my school fees and 20k extra.
But did receive any after that
We that received nko they only give us the upkeep which is 20k for January only,and the end of it they we ask us to payback
After sending January upkeep money they stop
Now I’ve not receive any money for last month much more this month
After that 20k upkeep in January I never received anything in February
I had to look for my school fee myself despite the approval
The school said we final year students that has paid our school fee ourselves will be reimburse but till now we never hear anything
I only received January upkeep without the school fee
I sha cannot pay for something I did not collect
I have not received the school fees but have received the upkeep for January .I paid my school fees my self so shouldn’t I receive the loan for the school fees back up till now I have not received the money
Have been approved buh have not receive any loan