NELFUND urges UNILAG to refund fees to student loan beneficiaries
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to refund tuition fees already paid by students who have since benefited from the federal government’s student loan scheme.
This appeal was made during a sensitization session held with UNILAG students on Wednesday.
Representing NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the refund would address widespread complaints from students who had paid fees prior to loan disbursement.
Sawyerr reminded institutions of their agreement with NELFUND not to restrict students from academic activities due to unpaid fees, particularly when they are verified loan applicants. He also emphasized the importance of sustained campus outreach to drive awareness and urged loan recipients planning to relocate abroad to remain committed to repayment obligations.
Responding on behalf of the university, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola—represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Obalola—confirmed that many affected students had already received refunds. She added that remaining cases were being processed, urging students to provide accurate bank details to facilitate payments in the coming week.
Prof. Ogunsola explained the delay was due to a timing mismatch between NELFUND’s disbursement schedule and the university’s academic calendar. Nonetheless, she lauded the student loan initiative as a timely intervention easing financial pressure on students.
“Even with relatively low tuition in public universities, many students still struggle to pay. This zero-interest loan is a game-changer in widening access to education,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, NELFUND’s Head of IT, Mr. Wale Ogunleye, revealed that 7,112 UNILAG students registered for the loan, with 5,566 applications approved and 4,636 disbursements already completed. He advised applicants to meet all eligibility criteria and upload necessary documents—including admission letters and student ID cards—on the NELFUND portal.
The sensitization is part of NELFUND’s nationwide campaign to deepen awareness and transparency around the student loan scheme in Nigerian tertiary institutions.