Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan program have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving their August stipends. Many students, in interviews with our correspondent, voiced their concerns about the impact of the payment delay.
Under the scheme, students are eligible for an upkeep loan, separate from institutional loans paid directly to schools. However, despite 20,371 students from six universities receiving ₦20,000 each for July, the August payment has yet to be disbursed.
The universities that benefitted from the July stipends include Bayero University, Kano; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State; University of Ilorin, Kwara State; University of Benin, Edo State; University of Ibadan, Oyo State; and the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
One student from Bayero University, Kano, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, said, “We haven’t received the August stipend. I’m very confused. The economy is tough, and we are even pleading with them to increase the ₦20,000 because it doesn’t go far.”
A student from the University of Ibadan also lamented, “Honestly, I was expecting it at the end of the month, but till now, there’s no word on the delay.”
Another student from the University of Benin added, “It’s getting too late. NELFUND needs to act. Our fees are paid, but the upkeep is crucial at this point.”
In response, the Director of Corporate Communications at NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, reassured students that the payment had been approved and would likely be processed within the week. “It’s been approved. They should get it this week,” Oluwatuyi confirmed.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the government to increase the monthly stipend from ₦20,000 to ₦40,000 to better support students in light of rising economic challenges.
