By: Ogunleye Kolapo Olayemi
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to embark on peaceful mass action over the alleged delay in the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
In a press release issued on Friday, June 20, via his Twitter handle, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, expressed concern over what he described as a two-month halt in the payment of upkeep allowances to student beneficiaries across the country.
According to the students’ body, the delay has generated widespread anxiety among beneficiaries who rely on the allowances for their welfare and academic needs.”I have it on good authority that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months, with no clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities,” Akinteye stated.
The NANS president described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that the NELFUND initiative was established to provide financial relief and support to students amid prevailing economic challenges. He warned that prolonged delays undermine the purpose of the scheme and place additional hardship on student beneficiaries.
NANS consequently called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently intervene and address the issues responsible for the delayed payments.
The association also demanded that authorities provide a clear explanation to students and ensure the immediate disbursement of all outstanding upkeep allowances.
Akinteye further warned that failure to resolve the matter promptly could trigger nationwide student protests.”Failure to do this within the shortest period of time will leave Nigerian students with no option but to embark on peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken to address the situation,” the statement read.
The NANS president, however, noted that the notice should not be interpreted as a threat but as an expression of the frustrations of thousands of students affected by the delay. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students and advocating for their welfare.
As of the time of filing this report, NELFUND had not publicly responded to the allegations of delayed upkeep allowance disbursement raised by NANS.
