Recruits engaged by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund following a 2025 recruitment exercise have been unable to assume duty 18 months after completing documentation, with many having resigned from previous employment in anticipation of resumption that has yet to materialise.

NELFUND issued letters of appointment dated January 14, 2025, signed by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Akintunde Sawyerr, following a recruitment exercise conducted by the agency. The successful candidates completed all documentation on February 3, 2025, after which they were informed that resumption would follow shortly.

One of the appointment letters read: "Further to your recent screening with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, you have been offered an appointment as … effective from the date of your assumption of duty."

Despite that assurance, the affected employees say they have received no official communication on a resumption date. Operating under the aegis of New NELFUND Employees Awaiting Resumption and led by signatory Biko Daniel, the group petitioned the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarship and Higher Education Financing, Mr Ifeoluwa Ehindero, in a letter dated January 27, 2026.

"We are worried about the prolonged uncertainty and its impact on our livelihoods and families. We kindly request a meeting with you to discuss the status of our resumption and the necessary steps to be taken," the letter stated.

A follow up letter was submitted to Ehindero on February 10, 2026. Receiving no response, the employees escalated to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a letter dated May 1, 2026.

"With joy, we left our former jobs, told our wives and children of a new beginning. Several months have passed, and we are yet to receive official communication on a definite resumption date. This prolonged wait has caused us and our families financial, emotional, and psychological strain," the letter read.

A reminder followed on June 16, 2026. The employees reaffirmed their commitment to NELFUND's mandate, stating: "We remain deeply committed to the vision of NELFUND and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to expand access to higher education through student loans."

House Committee Chairman Ehindero confirmed on Sunday that he had engaged both the affected workers and NELFUND management.

"I will not accept the agency's excuses because it is wrong to employ people and you are unable to get them started," he said, noting that NELFUND would access the 15% Development Levy under Section 59 of the Tax Administration Act from January 202 .