Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has reacted to reports that universities are deducting fees from student loan disbursements, calling the move illegal and vowing consequences.
- FG warns universities against unauthorised deductions from NELFUND student loans.
- At least 51 institutions reportedly charged students ₦3,500–₦30,000 in “processing” fees.
- Education Minister says such charges defeat the purpose of the loan scheme.
- NELFUND was created to ease student hardship, not burden them further.
- The government may take disciplinary action against culpable institutions.
For students counting on these loans to survive rising school costs, hearing that their schools are quietly dipping into the funds is devastating. Prof. Mamman’s sharp response signals rare accountability—but many wonder if it’s just words. In a system where corruption often goes unchecked, this loan programme was supposed to be different. Now, even that hope is shaky.
Will universities be held accountable, or will this be another quiet scandal swept aside? For students, the fight isn’t just for education—it’s for fairness.
