Why Freshers’ Fee Payments Get Delayed — NELFUND!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has clarified why payment of institutional fees for newly admitted students (freshers) under the student loan scheme cannot be processed immediately after admission.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, Sawyerr explained that freshers must first complete their registration and obtain matriculation numbers from their institutions before NELFUND can process or release their school fees.
“Until students are fully registered and recognised officially by the institutions, we cannot disburse funds on their behalf. The process is tied to verified institutional records,” Sawyerr stated.
Key Details:
- The clarification comes amid rising concerns from students and parents over delays in fee disbursements under the new education loan system.
- NELFUND has already begun pilot disbursements to verified returning students in select public institutions.
- The loan scheme is part of the federal government’s effort to ease financial burdens on students in tertiary institutions.
Why It Matters:
- The statement addresses confusion and backlash regarding perceived delays in the new student loan rollout.
- Registration requirements are essential for accountability, preventing fund diversion and fraud.
- Institutions now play a critical role in verifying students’ status before loans can be applied.
What to Watch:
- Speed of registration processes in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
- Further updates from NELFUND on timelines and eligible institutions.
- Reactions from student unions and university administrators.
Citations:
- Punch NG – NELFUND Explains Delay in Freshers’ School Fee Payments (Nov. 2025)
- The Cable – NELFUND Clarifies Payment Protocols for Student Loan Scheme
- NELFUND Official X Account – Statement by MD Akintunde Sawyerr (Nov. 2025)
