272
Daniel Adaji
Nigerians are demanding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to publish the names of universities, and the amount disbursed under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme in light of recent revelations that some institutions are shortchanging students.
Online commentators have expressed outrage over the unethical conduct of several tertiary institutions allegedly withholding or mismanaging student loan funds.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), @Diekololaoluwa stated, “@NELFUND should publish the names. Or open a dedicated website where students can sign in and check the status of their loans.”
Others, like @privatejay01, echoed the need for public disclosure, urging, “Make the list transparent with school and amount of loan!”
The frustration stems from recent findings by the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO) of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which revealed that certain universities and banks have been colluding to withhold student loan disbursements.
According to NOA Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the fraudulent practices include failing to inform students of approved loan disbursements and, in some cases, demanding tuition fees already paid by NELFUND.
NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, confirmed the development saying, “Some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments,”
Public anger over these revelations has intensified calls for accountability.
@truebenny001 bluntly suggested, “Send one Vice Chancellor and his Bursar to prison, and you’ve cured months of unnecessary headaches.”
Others criticized the government’s slow pace in enforcing penalties. “Too much talk, no action,” lamented @step_taiwo.
In response to the controversy, the NOA has instructed its state directorates to collect more feedback from students nationwide, ensuring that erring institutions and complicit banks are identified and sanctioned appropriately.
Meanwhile, voices like @deveeyjoe have praised the investigative breakthrough, with one remarking, “I think it’s impressive that such a finding could be made.”