Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, has formally escalated the prolonged non-payment of upkeep allowances to students of the University of Uyo to the leadership of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, assuring affected students that the matter is receiving urgent attention. In an official statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Akinteye confirmed that the issue, which has left many UNIUYO students without their monthly upkeep since January, has been brought to the highest level of the loan fund's management. The development comes as students across the country continue to grapple with delayed disbursements, with the University of Uyo being the latest institution where beneficiaries have raised serious concerns over unpaid allowances.
The NANS President disclosed that he has been in contact with NELFUND officials and has received assurances that efforts are underway to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. "I want to assure all affected UNIUYO students that the issues surrounding their upkeep, which they claim has not been paid since January, are receiving the necessary attention. I have been assured that efforts are being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible," Akinteye stated. He urged the students to remain calm and hopeful while the process is being concluded, reiterating that NANS will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders until every legitimate concern is addressed and every deserving beneficiary receives their entitlement.
The University of Uyo standoff mirrors a broader pattern of delayed NELFUND upkeep payments that has characterised the student loan scheme since its inception. In the past two months, NANS has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, issuing ultimatums, publishing lists of defaulting institutions, and engaging with NELFUND management to ensure the seamless disbursement of allowances to students. On July 16, 2026, the NANS President had announced the resumption of NELFUND upkeep payments, assuring students that the disbursements would continue until all outstanding beneficiaries had been credited. He had at the time stressed that his updates were based on confirmed developments, adding that he would not provide students with unverified information. However, despite these assurances, students at the University of Uyo have continued to experience delays, prompting the latest intervention.
The NANS President's direct engagement with NELFUND leadership signals a renewed urgency in addressing the challenges facing the student loan scheme. The association has previously published the names of institutions that failed to refund students after receiving NELFUND payments and has demanded accountability from school authorities. In a statement on Sunday, Akinteye reaffirmed the association's commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students, declaring, "The welfare of Nigerian students remains our priority, and we will not relent in ensuring that their rights and interests are protected." His message, which carried the tagline "Aluta Continua," underscores the determination of the student body to sustain its advocacy until the crisis is resolved.
The delay in upkeep payments has placed significant strain on students, many of whom rely on the monthly allowances for living expenses, transportation, and academic materials. The upkeep allowance, which is separate from tuition payments, is designed to provide eligible students with monthly living support while enrolled in tertiary education. However, technical glitches and administrative bottlenecks have repeatedly disrupted disbursements, leaving thousands of beneficiaries stranded. In June 2026, sources attributed the delays to a technical glitch on the NELFUND portal, while students have also complained of a lack of clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities.
As the situation at the University of Uyo unfolds, the NANS President has called on affected students to remain hopeful while the process is being concluded. He assured them that the association would continue to monitor developments and engage with all relevant stakeholders until the issue is fully resolved. His intervention marks a significant step in addressing the grievances of UNIUYO students, with the outcome expected to have broader implications for the implementation of the NELFUND scheme across Nigerian tertiary institutions. The message from the NANS leadership is clear: no eligible student will be left behind, and the fight for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students will continue unabated.
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