Beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have raised concerns over delayed upkeep payments for August and September 2025, despite official figures showing that funds have already been disbursed.
According to the latest NELFUND Student Loan Disbursement Daily Status Report, generated on 18th September 2025, the Fund has so far disbursed a total of ₦99.55 billion. This includes ₦53.80 billion for institutional fees and ₦45.75 billion for upkeep allowances across 228 institutions, covering over 510,378 students.
Student Complaints Over Delays
Several students insist they are yet to receive upkeep allowances in their accounts, even though the official dashboard shows payments under that category have been made.
“We have not been paid upkeep for August and September, but the dashboard shows billions already disbursed,” a beneficiary from a federal university told reporters. “This delay is affecting our daily living expenses , feeding, transport, and basic needs.”
Another student described the situation as “frustrating and disheartening,” adding that the delay undermines the purpose of the loan scheme, which was introduced to reduce financial hardship among undergraduates.
Gap Between Records and Reality
The dashboard highlights steady progress in disbursement since the programme launched on 24th May 2024, with 819,756 applications received and over half a million students benefiting. However, the discrepancy between recorded upkeep disbursements and students’ actual access to funds has drawn attention.
Stakeholders suggest that delays may stem from administrative bottlenecks between NELFUND, banks, and universities. Others point to the need for clearer communication on timelines to avoid confusion.
Pressure on NELFUND to Clarify
The NELFUND loan scheme, a flagship project under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has been praised for expanding access to education. Still, recurring complaints about upkeep disbursements threaten to erode confidence in the initiative.
Education analysts warn that without timely upkeep support, students could face serious challenges that directly impact learning, including hunger, stress, and inability to cover essential expenses.
Students are now urging NELFUND to address the discrepancy, provide explanations for the delays, and ensure upkeep allowances reach beneficiaries without further setbacks.
