‘Technical glitch, portal reconciliation delay NELFUND allowance payments’

A technical glitch on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) portal has disrupted the disbursement of students' upkeep allowances, leaving thousands of beneficiaries waiting for payments for about two months. A source within NELFUND confirmed the issue, stating that the agency is working to resolve the problem and reconcile affected transactions.

“

We have a system glitch, and we’re trying to reconcile.

The delay has sparked widespread complaints from students who rely on these stipends for their basic living expenses. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has received numerous reports from students across tertiary institutions nationwide regarding the delayed payments. NANS President Babatunde Akinteye stated that the disbursement has been on hold for two months without a clear explanation.

“

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 expressed concern that the delay is causing anxiety and undermining the core objective of the student loan scheme, which is to provide financial relief. He urged the Managing Director of NELFUND, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Finance to intervene and ensure the immediate payment of outstanding allowances. NANS has also threatened peaceful mass action if the delays persist, emphasizing that students depend on these funds for daily expenses like feeding, transportation, and accommodation.

“

The primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities. Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established.