By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commenced the disbursement of June and July upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan programme, offering relief to thousands of students after weeks of delays.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), while several beneficiaries also shared screenshots of successful payment alerts on social media, indicating that the disbursement process had begun.
Announcing the development, NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, said the payment exercise was now underway and assured students that all outstanding upkeep arrears would be settled.
“The payment of June and July NELFUND upkeep allowances has officially commenced.
“As I assured you, every outstanding backlog will be paid. We remain committed to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian student is left behind,” Babatunde said.
He explained that the payments would not be made simultaneously, urging students whose accounts had yet to be credited to remain patient as the process was being carried out in phases.
“To all beneficiaries, I urge you to remain patient as payments are processed. If you have not received yours yet, kindly stay calm, as disbursements are being made in batches.
“We are here for you, always, and we will continue to stand firmly in defence of the welfare and interests of Nigerian students.
“Aluta Continua!”
The latest disbursement comes after growing concerns from students across the country over delays in the release of monthly upkeep allowances under the student loan initiative.
In recent weeks, many beneficiaries had repeatedly appealed for the payment of the allowances, arguing that the delays had increased the financial burden of transportation, feeding and other daily academic expenses.
The commencement of payments has, however, brought renewed confidence among beneficiaries, with many taking to social media platform X to confirm receipt of their June and July allowances by posting screenshots of credit alerts.
The upkeep allowance forms a key component of the NELFUND student loan scheme, complementing tuition payments that are remitted directly to approved tertiary institutions on behalf of beneficiaries.
The Federal Government introduced the programme to ease the financial burden on students and expand access to higher education, with the monthly upkeep package designed to help beneficiaries meet essential living expenses while pursuing their studies.
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