The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has clarified that the monthly upkeep allowance is disbursed strictly during academic sessions, debunking assumptions of a year round payment structure. This clarification follows mounting complaints from parents regarding the irregularity of the ₦20,000 monthly support provided to beneficiaries.
A parent, Mr Adebola, whose daughter attends the Federal University of Technology, Akure, decried the alleged inconsistency. He acknowledged that while the tuition fee component has been consistent, the upkeep allowance has faced challenges. Adebola noted that his daughter, currently in her 400 level, has received the allowance only twice.
"She has only been paid that twice, and she is now in 400 level at FUTA. What happened to the other months she ought to have been paid?" Adebola queried.
Similarly, Mrs Odesola alleged that her son at the University of Lagos is experiencing the same payment gaps.
Despite these concerns, the Fund has successfully disbursed ₦77.45 billion to 1.160 million beneficiaries selected from over 1.7 million applications.
Addressing the issue, a spokesperson for NELFUND explained that the payment model accounts for academic breaks. The official noted that the allowance is paid when institutions are in session, not throughout the 12 months of the year. The spokesperson also dismissed fears that students might be required to repay funds they never received.
"Regarding the fear that beneficiaries could be made to pay for allowance they did not collect, that cannot happen. We have the records of schools, the beneficiaries and payments made," the spokesperson stated.
In a related development, the Lagos State University management has acknowledged receipt of funds for the current session. The university urged students to verify their portals or visit the Bursary Office. It clarified that students who have fully paid their fees will be refunded, while those with part payments will have their balances covered by the loan.
