NELFUND reacts to tuition refunds delay, fee hikes by varsities

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has condemned what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions accused of withholding tuition refunds from students whose tuition fees had already been paid before the Fund disbursed education loans.

NELFUND also expressed concern over reports of arbitrary increases in tuition fees and other institutional charges by some institutions, warning that such actions undermine the objectives of the federal government’s student loan scheme.

The Fund gave the reaction in a public notice issued on Monday by its director, strategic communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

It stressed that the Student Loan Scheme, introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, was created to eliminate financial barriers to higher education and not to impose fresh financial burdens on students.

According to NELFUND, it has commenced engagement with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that all eligible students receive their refunds without further delay.

It also said steps were being taken to ensure that tuition and other institutional charges remain fair, transparent and in line with the objectives of the scheme.

“NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” the agency stated.

The Fund reiterated its resolve to safeguard the credibility of the student loan programme and ensure that beneficiaries are not denied the full benefits of the federal government’s education financing initiative through exploitative practices by institutions.