Despite assertions that monies have already been disbursed, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has allegedly failed to distribute student loans, which has alarmed the National Association of Nigerian Students.
According to PUNCH online, certain higher education institutions are allegedly withholding disbursed loans from students in cooperation with banks, according to an inquiry into how the Federal Government’s student loan program is being handled.
In response to allegations of unethical behavior, the National Orientation Agency’s Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers submitted the results.The matter was brought to light during a meeting between Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and Mallam Issa-Onilu, the Director General of NOA, over the weekend. According to a statement signed by the agency spokesperson Paul Odenyi, NELFUND claimed that several institutions have failed to notify students about loan disbursements made on their behalf while still requesting tuition payments. In response to the disclosure, Samson Adeyemi, the NANS National Public Relations Officer, said in a statement on Wednesday that such practices are “deceptive and a betrayal of trust by the universities.”
Adeyemi pointed out that such actions might make the difficulties Nigerian students now face even worse.
These practices, such as not telling students about loan disbursements and requiring tuition payments even after receiving cash, are dishonest and a violation of the confidence that has been placed in these institutions, he added.
“NANS views these practices as a direct attack on the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, many of whom rely on these loans to access higher education and alleviate financial burdens.
“Such actions exacerbate the challenges faced by students and undermine the federal government’s efforts to provide accessible education through the student loan programme.”
The student’s body warned institutions that may be engaging in such practices to desist, as it would not hesitate to protest against any institution found culpable.
NANS urged the affected students to report any such cases to its leadership in their respective states.
“NANS will not hesitate to take decisive action, including mobilising protests and legal measures, to ensure that students receive the financial support they are entitled to.
NANS will not hold back from taking firm action to guarantee that students receive the financial aid to which they are legally entitled, including organizing demonstrations and taking legal action.
Additionally, we urge the National Orientation Agency and NELFUND, among other pertinent agencies, to step up their efforts to look into and deal with these malpractices.
“NANS is still dedicated to fighting for the welfare and rights of students all throughout the country. Adeyemi said, “We assure all impacted students of our unwavering support in this fight for justice and encourage them to report any irregularities to the NANS leadership in their state.”
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