The NELFUND tuition refunds process has come under renewed scrutiny as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) moved to address reports of unethical practices by some tertiary institutions accused of withholding students’ refunds and increasing school charges despite receiving payments under the federal student loan scheme.
In a public notice issued by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund said it had received multiple complaints indicating that some institutions were either delaying or refusing to refund tuition fees previously paid by students after NELFUND had subsequently settled the same fees directly with the schools.
NELFUND described the reported practices as inconsistent with the objectives of the federal government’s student loan programme.
According to the agency, eligible students who paid their tuition before the loan disbursement should receive refunds once the institution receives payment from the Fund. The agency expressed concern that the reported delays were denying beneficiaries the full value of the government’s education financing initiative.
Beyond the issue of NELFUND tuition refunds, the agency also raised alarm over what it described as arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges by some higher institutions.
NELFUND warned that imposing additional financial burdens on students undermines the purpose of the Student Loan Scheme introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Fund emphasised that the programme was established to remove financial barriers to higher education rather than create new costs for students and their families.
NELFUND disclosed that it has commenced discussions with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to resolve the reported issues.
According to the agency, the engagement is aimed at ensuring that all eligible students receive their outstanding tuition refunds without unnecessary delay. It also said efforts are underway to ensure that tuition fees and other institutional charges remain fair, transparent and consistent with the objectives of the student loan programme.
Reaffirming its position, Oluwatuyi said the Fund remains focused on protecting beneficiaries and preserving public confidence in the scheme. “NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” he said.
The agency added that it will continue taking steps to safeguard the credibility of the student loan programme and ensure that students are not deprived of the full benefits of the Federal Government’s education financing initiative through exploitative practices by beneficiary institutions.
