NELFUND Debunks Reports of Suspension of Student Upkeep Allowance
NELFUND has dismissed as false the viral reports claiming that the Federal Government suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme. The Fund described the circulating statements and AI-generated newspaper images as fake and misleading, stressing that no directive has been issued to halt disbursements. NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to continuing student loan and upkeep allowance payments while urging the public to rely only on verified information from its official communication channels.
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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating online claiming that the Federal Government has suspended the payment of students’ upkeep allowances under the student loan scheme.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND described the reports as fabricated and deliberately designed to misinform the public and create panic among students and stakeholders.
According to the statement, some of the misleading publications included a fake statement falsely attributed to NELFUND as well as an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from *The Nigerian Tribune*.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund wishes to categorically refute and condemn the false and misleading publications currently circulating across social media and online platforms alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme.
“These reports, including a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND and an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from The Nigerian Tribune, are entirely fake, misleading, and designed to create panic, confusion, and distrust among beneficiaries and the general public,” the statement read.
NELFUND stressed that neither the Federal Government nor the Fund had issued any directive suspending upkeep allowance payments.
The agency also clarified that the viral materials did not originate from any official communication channel of the Fund or any authorised government platform.
Reaffirming its commitment to the programme, NELFUND stated that the disbursement of student loans and upkeep allowances remains ongoing in line with its mandate to support students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Fund urged beneficiaries, stakeholders, and members of the public to disregard the fake reports and rely only on verified information released through its official communication channels.
It further warned against the spread of unverified content, noting that such misinformation contributes to unnecessary anxiety and confusion among students and parents.
“The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement added.
For inquiries or support, NELFUND advised the public to contact the agency through its official email address, [info@nelf.gov.ng](mailto:info@nelf.gov.ng), or its verified social media platforms on X (@nelfund), Instagram (@nelfund), Facebook, and LinkedIn under Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND.
Since the launch of the programme, NELFUND has reportedly disbursed over N206 billion in loans to support more than 1.6 million students in tertiary institutions nationwide.
The student loan application portal was officially opened on May 24, 2024, following the enactment of the Student Loans Act by the Federal Government.
The scheme was introduced to assist eligible students in public tertiary institutions with tuition fees and daily upkeep expenses, especially those facing financial difficulties.
Under the arrangement, beneficiaries are expected to begin repayment after completing their studies and securing employment, a structure aimed at ensuring sustainability while reducing financial pressure on students during their academic years.
