The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to closely monitor the disbursement and utilization of loans issued by the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to tertiary institutions. The association emphasized the need to ensure that the funds are properly allocated to enhance educational development and directly benefit students.
Speaking at NANS’ 86th National Senate Sitting and Pre-Convention held at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, NANS Senate President Babatunde Afeez Akinteye made the call in the presence of over 5,000 student leaders from campuses nationwide.
“It is not enough to allocate billions of Naira to schools in the name of NELFUND loans. The government must follow up to ensure the schools are using these funds for the intended purposes,” Akinteye stated. He emphasized that strict oversight is crucial to prevent mismanagement and to achieve the objectives of the loans.
Akinteye also voiced strong opposition to any plans by public tertiary institutions to increase tuition fees, arguing that such actions would exacerbate the financial burdens on students.
“We are against any fee hike by public schools in the country,” he told the Nigerian Tribune. “NELFUND loans or any other initiative cannot justify fee increments. We have made this clear to every vice-chancellor, rector, and provost of colleges of education, and we are monitoring their actions closely to uphold our position.”
Speaking at the event, NANS National President Lucky Emonefe commended Nigerian students for their unwavering support of the union’s leadership. He reassured students that the union would continue to champion their interests, including ensuring easy access to financial assistance through NELFUND.
Emonefe highlighted the simplicity of the loan process, stating, “All that is required to get a loan is to be a genuine student and financially incapable.” He further assured students that the process is transparent and seamless, thanks to NANS representatives on the NELFUND board.
The event underscored NANS’ commitment to advocating for students’ welfare and ensuring that funds allocated for educational purposes are judiciously used to foster growth and development in tertiary institutions.
