Beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund at the Federal University Kashere in Gombe State have issued a 48 hour ultimatum to their student union leadership, threatening a peaceful protest over delayed refunds of school fees paid before their loan disbursements were approved.

The aggrieved students directed their ultimatum at Students' Representative Council President Kabir Danyaya, accusing him of months of inaction and silence on the matter.

"For months now, there has been complete silence from the SRC leadership as if the issue does not exist and students' money does not matter," the students stated in a document made available to journalists.

The students said they had expected the SRC leadership to engage the university administration and NELFUND on their behalf, expressing disappointment that no visible steps had been taken despite their financial contributions to the union.

"Every student paid N1,000 to support the Students' Representative Council. We funded the council because we believed it would stand by us when necessary. Unfortunately, that trust is gradually being eroded," the statement read.

The group also raised transparency concerns, alleging that the refund process had become influenced by personal connections rather than procedure.

"Refund has now become a matter of connection. If you do not know somebody, your money simply remains pending. That situation is unfair, and the SRC should be at the forefront of demanding a transparent process," they alleged.

The students warned that if no concrete action or clear update was provided within the stipulated period, they would mobilise for a peaceful demonstration.

"We are tired of excuses and silence. This is our money, not a favour. NELFUND was established to reduce students' financial burdens, not to create additional hardship," they stated, adding that they would organise a protest to demand "what rightfully belongs to them."

Responding to the ultimatum, Danyaya dismissed claims of negligence, attributing the delay to a technical fault with the Remita payment platform. He told journalists in a telephone interview that the university management was actively working to resolve the issue within the week.

"I have explained it to them; it is a result of a network problem from Remita. The school management is working to resolve it within this week," he noted.

The refund issue affects students who settled their school fees ahead of receiving NELFUND approval and are now awaiting reimbursement of amounts already paid.