The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Minister of Education to urgently facilitate the release of all outstanding federal government scholarship payments owed to beneficiaries from 2024 to date, warning that the prolonged delay is severely affecting students' academic pursuits and personal welfare.

The association's National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Obidah David, conveyed the demand in a press statement, disclosing that the NANS National Secretariat had received numerous complaints from affected beneficiaries struggling to meet tuition obligations, accommodation expenses, research costs, and other essential educational needs.

"For many students, the federal government Scholarship Scheme represents more than financial assistance; it is a vital support mechanism that enables them to pursue their education without the burden of overwhelming financial constraints," the statement read.

NANS acknowledged the Federal Government's stated commitment to expanding access to quality education but maintained that non disbursement of the funds had left beneficiaries in financial distress.

"Unfortunately, the non disbursement of these funds has left many beneficiaries struggling to meet tuition obligations, accommodation expenses, research costs, and other essential educational needs," the association stated.

The group expressed confidence that the ministry understands the importance of timely scholarship payments and called on the minister to treat the matter as urgent, arguing that prompt disbursement would provide immediate relief to affected students while reinforcing public confidence in the scholarship scheme.

"We therefore urge the Honourable Minister of Education to take immediate steps to ensure that all outstanding scholarship payments to beneficiaries from 2024 to date are released without further delay," the statement added.

NANS maintained that the future of the country depends on the quality of education and institutional support extended to young Nigerians, and urged the ministry to give the appeal prompt and favourable consideration.