NANS Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Delayed NELFUND Payments

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed alarm over the extended delay in the payment of upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The association warned that students nationwide could stage peaceful protests if the matter is not urgently resolved.

Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of NANS, made the statement on Saturday after receiving numerous complaints from student beneficiaries about the non‑payment of upkeep allowances for the past two months.

Afeez said the delay has increased frustration and uncertainty among students who rely on the funds for academic activities and daily living expenses.

The president noted that credible information indicates the disbursement process has remained stalled, with no clear explanation from the relevant authorities.

“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,” he said.

Afeez described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that the NELFUND initiative was created to ease the financial burden on students, especially amid the country’s economic hardship.

“Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable,” he added.

“The primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities. Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established.”

Afeez 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 Wale Edun, to intervene immediately and resolve the issues causing the delay.

He urged the authorities to provide a clear explanation and commence payment of all outstanding allowances without further delay.

The NANS president warned that failure to address the matter promptly could lead to peaceful mass protests by students nationwide, including demonstrations at the NELFUND headquarters.

“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.

Afeez clarified that the warning should not be seen as a threat but as an expression of the growing frustrations among students affected by the 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.

Afeez reaffirmed NANS’s commitment to protecting the welfare, rights, and academic interests of Nigerian students across the country.