Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), threatening a nationwide peaceful protest and the possible occupation of the agency's headquarters if the prolonged delay in the disbursement of student upkeep allowances is not urgently resolved.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, June 20, 2026, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, expressed outrage over what he described as an "unacceptable" and "unexplained" halt in the payment of allowances to thousands of student beneficiaries across the country. According to the student body, the allowances, which are a critical component of the NELFUND support scheme, have not been paid for the past two months, leaving many students struggling to cope with rising living costs amid the nation's economic challenges.
Afeez disclosed that the association had received numerous complaints from beneficiaries across the country, alleging that the upkeep component of the student loan scheme had not been paid, creating widespread anxiety and frustration among students who depend on the funds for their daily welfare and academic needs. “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,” Akinteye said. He described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that the objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide financial relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges. “Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable,” he said.
The student leader called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, 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 remove all bottlenecks responsible for the payment delays. He urged the authorities to provide students with a clear explanation and commence the payment of all outstanding allowances without further delay. The NANS president warned that failure to address the matter promptly could trigger peaceful mass protests by students nationwide, including demonstrations at the headquarters of NELFUND. “Consequently, NANS hereby calls on NELFUND and all relevant stakeholders to resolve all issues relating to the delayed upkeep payments and ensure that students receive their entitlements. 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 said.
While stressing that the warning should not be viewed as a threat, NANS maintained that the notice reflects the growing frustration among students whose welfare and academic pursuits are being negatively affected by the prolonged 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,” he added. The development is likely to pile fresh pressure on the Federal Government’s flagship student financing programme, which was introduced to ease access to higher education and cushion the impact of economic hardship on students. As concerns continue to mount among beneficiaries, stakeholders are expected to look to NELFUND and relevant government agencies for swift action to avert a looming confrontation with the nation's student population.
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