NELFUND Debunks Reports Ordering Students to Repay Education Loans

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.

NELFUND adopts remote work as office undergoes fumigation exercise

ABUJA — The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced a temporary shift to remote operations as its office undergoes a fumigation and sanitation exercise, assuring stakeholders that services will continue without disruption.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Fund says the fumigation exercise will run through the end of the year as part of efforts to maintain a safe, healthy and regulatory-compliant working environment for staff and visitors.

NELFUND confirms that during the period, only minimal staff will be physically present to carry out essential on-site duties, while the majority of operations will be handled remotely under a skeletal work arrangement.

Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, says the decision prioritises staff welfare, particularly for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age who may be more vulnerable during fumigation processes.

“Staff safety remains paramount,” Sawyerr states. “While the fumigation exercise is necessary, NELFUND has taken deliberate steps to ensure that no employee is unnecessarily exposed to any potential health risk.”

According to the Fund, its strong digital infrastructure and established remote work systems will ensure uninterrupted delivery of core services, including loan processing, stakeholder engagement, internal coordination and general service delivery.

NELFUND notes that the temporary shift reflects institutional foresight and responsible governance, demonstrating how technology can be effectively leveraged to sustain public service delivery even when physical office operations are limited.

The Fund appreciates the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to transparent, efficient and student-centred education financing across the country.