NANS Threatens Nationwide Protest As NELFUND Delays Students’ Upkeep Payments
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to mobilise students across the country for a peaceful mass protest over the prolonged delay in the payment of upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
The students' body said it had received numerous complaints from beneficiaries of the scheme, alleging that the payment of upkeep allowances had been suspended for the past two months without any official explanation from the authorities.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the association described the delay as unacceptable and warned that it was causing anxiety and hardship among thousands of Nigerian students who depend on the funds.
"I have it on good authority that the disbursement of students' upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months, with no clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities. This unfortunate situation has generated widespread anxiety among Nigerian students who are beneficiaries across the country," Afeez said.
He argued that the continued delay defeats the purpose of the loan scheme, which was designed to provide financial relief to students amid the country's economic challenges.
"Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable. The primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities," he said.
The NANS president called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently intervene and ensure that all issues responsible for the delay are resolved.
According to him, the authorities must provide a clear explanation to students and immediately commence the payment of all outstanding allowances.
"We urge the relevant authorities to provide a clear explanation to Nigerian students and commence the disbursement of all outstanding upkeep allowances without further delay," he stated.
Afeez warned that failure to address the situation promptly could trigger nationwide protests by students, including the occupation of the NELFUND headquarters.
"Failure to do this within the shortest period of time will leave Nigerian students with no option but to embark on peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken to address the situation," he warned.
He, however, maintained that the warning should not be interpreted as a threat but rather as a reflection of the frustrations being experienced by students affected by the delay.
"This notice should not be construed as a threat but as a legitimate expression of the frustrations of thousands of Nigerian students whose welfare continues to be adversely affected by the prolonged delay," Afeez added.
The NANS president further assured students of the association's commitment to defending their interests and advocating for policies that support their academic pursuits and welfare.
“I wish to assure Nigerian students of my firm commitment to protecting their interests and amplifying our collective voice on matters affecting their academic pursuits and well-being,” he said.