AKSU Students’ Union Explains Delay in NELFUND Loan Refunds

The Students’ Union of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), through its Directorate of Information, has clarified concerns surrounding the delay in the refund of school fees to students approved under the NELFUND Students Loan Scheme for the 2024/2025 academic session.

In an official notice issued on Monday, the Union attributed the delay to ongoing administrative verification and reconciliation processes linked to the NELFUND disbursement.

The Union disclosed that it was discovered that some students who benefited from the 2023/2024 NELFUND loan and had already received refunds reapplied for another refund under the current exercise. According to the notice, such cases constitute duplication and raise concerns of possible fraud.

As a result, the University Management has commenced a comprehensive scrutiny of all submitted refund applications to ensure that only eligible students are refunded, while preventing administrative errors and safeguarding the institution’s integrity.

The Directorate assured students who paid their school fees, subsequently received approval for the 2024/2025 NELFUND loan, and properly submitted refund request letters with accurate bank details that their records remain valid. Refunds, it stated, will be processed immediately after the verification exercise is concluded.

Students were urged to remain calm and patient, as the refund process is ongoing, with assurances that no qualified student will be denied their entitlement. The Union emphasized that there is no cause for panic.

The notice also advised students to take advantage of the opportunity to reapply for the NELFUND loan where applicable, while awaiting the completion of the refund process.

The statement was signed by Comrade Elijah Ubong, Director of Information, Students’ Union, Akwa Ibom State University, who reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the student body.