NELFUND loan beneficiaries list should be checked by parents to avoid double tuition payments, FG warns, urging transparency and awareness

NELFUND loan beneficiaries must be verified by parents before making tuition payments to avoid falling victim to double charges, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has cautioned.

Also read: House probes student loan scheme pledges transparency, justice

Dr. Helen Nsirim, Information and Public Relations Officer at the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt, raised the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

She revealed that investigations showed some undergraduates who accessed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) concealed the information from their parents while still demanding tuition fees.

“This is a wrong approach, especially in these difficult times when many parents are struggling financially.

The Federal Government established the loan scheme to ease the burden of tuition on both parents and students,” Nsirim said.

She advised parents to verify their children’s loan status before paying fees, urging NELFUND to enhance transparency by publishing the list of beneficiaries annually through universities, national newspapers, and social media platforms.

According to Nsirim, this step would empower parents to confirm loan disbursement and reduce unnecessary financial strain.

She also called for stronger sensitisation efforts from NELFUND while encouraging parents to remain proactive.

“Instead of spending time on social media following trends and gossip, parents should check what NELFUND is doing and encourage their children to apply if eligible,” she added.

Also read: Student loan: NELFUND disburses N2.5bn as loans for 22,120 students

NELFUND was established to provide financial support to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, with the goal of expanding access to higher education and easing financial burdens on families.