NELFUND dismisses fake reports on suspension of student upkeep allowance

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has strongly refuted circulating online reports alleging that the Federal Government has suspended student upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme. The fund issued a statement on Thursday, calling the publications "false and misleading" and intended to create unnecessary panic among students and stakeholders.

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund wishes to categorically refute and condemn the false and misleading publications currently circulating across social media and online platforms alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme.

In its statement, NELFUND categorically condemned the "fabricated" reports, which included a fake statement attributed to the fund and an AI-generated newspaper front page. These materials, it stated, were designed to cause confusion and distrust. NELFUND emphasized that no directive has been issued by the Federal Government or the fund regarding the suspension of upkeep allowances, and the circulating content did not originate from any official government communication platform.

The agency also clarified that a widely shared image of a newspaper front page is not genuine. Reaffirming its commitment, NELFUND stressed that it remains dedicated to the continued disbursement of student loans and upkeep allowances in line with its mandate, prioritizing transparency and efficiency. Beneficiaries and the public are urged to disregard the false reports and rely solely on verified information from official channels.

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These reports, including a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND and an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from The Nigerian Tribune, are entirely fake, misleading, and designed to create panic, confusion, and distrust among beneficiaries and the general public.

NELFUND also cautioned against the spread of unverified content, noting its contribution to misinformation and anxiety. The fund reiterated its steadfast commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing. For inquiries, the public is directed to NELFUND's official contact channels, including its email and verified social media platforms. Since its inception, NELFUND has disbursed over N206 billion in loans to more than 1.6 million students.

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The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives.