Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, dismisses reports claiming that beneficiaries of the federal student loan scheme have been directed to commence repayment, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Fund says it has not released any directive instructing students to begin repayment and warns that a purported circular circulating online does not originate from NELFUND or the Federal Government.
The clarification follows a public disclaimer by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), who disowns the allegedrepay attributed to the institution.
The university confirms that the document is fake and that no repayment guidelines have been issued to students under the NELFUND loan scheme.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NELFUND has not issued any directive requesting students to begin repayment of their loans,” the Fund states.
According to NELFUND, the repayment framework is clearly outlined in the NELFUND Establishment Act, which protects students from repayment obligations while still in school.
Under the law, beneficiaries are not required to repay their loans during their studies or while unemployed after graduation. Repayment only begins in line with statutory provisions after a beneficiary secures gainful employment.
The Fund reiterates its commitment to expanding access to higher education through transparent, fair and student-centred financing, adding that any official communication on loan administration or repayment will be issued only through verified NELFUND channels and authorised government platforms.
NELFUND urges students, parents, educational institutions, and the general public to disregard the fake circular and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety.
The Fund reassures beneficiaries of its continued commitment to due process, accountability, and the welfare of Nigerian students.
Plateau News Online 