NELFUND Reaffirms Student Upkeep Payments Amid Fake News Concerns
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reaffirmed that student upkeep payments continue without interruption, dismissing viral claims that the Federal Government suspended the allowance.
The agency described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading. It said the claims were designed to cause panic among students and parents.
NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the misinformation included fabricated statements and an AI-generated newspaper front page. He stressed that none of the materials came from official channels.
According to him, no directive has been issued by the Federal Government or NELFUND to suspend student upkeep allowances. He added that the scheme remains fully active.
The fund also urged students to ignore unverified online content. Instead, it advised them to rely only on official communication platforms for accurate updates.
From a child rights and education development perspective, the upkeep scheme plays a critical role in supporting access to higher education. It reduces financial barriers that often prevent young Nigerians from completing their studies.
Education advocates say steady financial support helps protect students from dropout risks. It also promotes equal opportunity for children from low-income backgrounds.
Furthermore, consistent funding strengthens the right to education as guaranteed under child protection frameworks. It ensures that students can focus on learning without constant financial pressure.
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to transparency and continuous disbursement of student loans and upkeep allowances. The agency said over 1.6 million students have benefited since the programme began.
It also noted that more than N206bn has been released to support tertiary education across Nigeria. The fund described this as part of a broader effort to expand access to learning.
Child rights experts argue that misinformation around education funding can undermine trust in public institutions. They warn that panic-driven narratives may discourage students from pursuing higher education opportunities.
Meanwhile, NELFUND encouraged beneficiaries to verify information through its official platforms. It also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable education financing for Nigerian students.
The scheme, introduced under the Student Loans Act, allows beneficiaries to repay after graduation and employment. Stakeholders say this model protects vulnerable students while promoting long-term national development.
