The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has moved decisively against some tertiary institutions accused of withholding or delaying refunds to students under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

In a public notice issued on Monday, 29 June 2026, NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Akintunde Sawyerr condemned reports of institutions delaying or refusing to refund tuition fees already paid by students before NELFUND disbursed the same amounts directly to the schools.

The Fund also expressed strong disapproval of arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges, describing such practices as contrary to the core objectives of the student loan programme.

“The Student Loan Scheme, an initiative of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was established to remove financial barriers to higher education, not to create additional burdens for Nigerian students,” NELFUND stated.

The agency confirmed it has commenced direct engagements with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure eligible students receive their due refunds promptly and that charges remain fair, transparent, and consistent with the scheme’s goals.

This latest intervention comes amid growing complaints from beneficiaries who paid their fees upfront only to face delays or refusals when seeking refunds after NELFUND settled the institutions.

The Fund has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding student interests and maintaining public confidence in this landmark national programme.

Under the scheme, NELFUND pays tuition directly to institutions while disbursing upkeep allowances to students’ bank accounts, with clear guidelines requiring full refunds to those who paid prior to disbursement.