The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) remains in the spotlight as fresh developments continue to emerge from universities across the country. In the latest updates, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has announced the refund of school fees to eligible beneficiaries, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) says more than 20,000 of its students have benefited from the scheme, while many students have raised fresh concerns over delays in the payment of their monthly upkeep allowance.
If you are a NELFUND applicant or beneficiary, here are the top updates you should know today.
1. MOUAU Orders Refund of School Fees Paid Before NELFUND Disbursement
Students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) who paid their school fees before receiving the Federal Government’s student loan have been given good news.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has directed the university’s Bursary Department to immediately begin refunding tuition fees paid by students before their NELFUND loans were disbursed.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the decision is to ensure that students who made payments from their personal funds are not denied the full benefits of the Federal Government’s education loan programme.
She also encouraged students returning for the 2026/2027 academic session to complete their course registration early to enable the university begin academic activities on schedule.
Students who qualify for the refund are expected to receive further instructions from the university on how the payment process will be carried out.
2. PAAU Says Over 20,000 Students Have Benefited from NELFUND
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has revealed that more than 20,000 students of the institution have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund since the programme was introduced.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Sani Nefaye Abdullahi, described the student loan initiative as one of the Federal Government’s most impactful education programmes, noting that it has helped reduce the financial burden on students and their parents.
He explained that beneficiaries have continued to receive tuition support as well as monthly upkeep allowances, adding that one of the recent upkeep payments reached students during their examination period, giving many of them the financial support they needed at the time.
The university also commended the Federal Government for introducing the scheme, saying it has enabled many students to continue their education without worrying about school fees and other basic expenses.
3. Students Complain Over Delay in NELFUND Upkeep Allowance
Despite the growing number of beneficiaries, many students across public tertiary institutions have expressed concern over delays in receiving their monthly ₦20,000 upkeep allowance.
Some beneficiaries said they last received payment in April, while others reported that their May allowance was only credited in July. A number of students also claimed they were still waiting for both May and June payments.
The delay, according to affected students, has made it difficult to pay for transportation, feeding and other essential expenses, forcing some of them to borrow money from friends and relatives while waiting for their allowances.
Student leaders who spoke on the issue said information available to them indicated that NELFUND had been carrying out a payment platform upgrade and reconciliation process before disbursement could continue.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also acknowledged receiving complaints from students across the country and called for the immediate payment of all outstanding allowances. Earlier this month, NANS said it had been informed that disbursements would resume after the technical upgrade was completed.
What Students Should Expect
As more universities continue to implement the NELFUND programme, students are advised to keep checking updates from their institutions and the official NELFUND platform for information on tuition payments, refunds and upkeep allowances. The scheme continues to expand across public tertiary institutions, although concerns over delayed upkeep payments remain among some beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has MOUAU started refunding school fees?
The Vice-Chancellor has directed the university’s Bursary Department to begin processing refunds for students who paid their fees before receiving their NELFUND loan.
How many students have benefited from NELFUND at PAAU?
The university says more than 20,000 students have benefited from the scheme since it was introduced.
Why are some students yet to receive their upkeep allowance?
Student leaders say the delay is linked to a payment platform upgrade and reconciliation process, while NANS has urged that all outstanding payments be released as soon as possible.
???? Stay Empowered with ZOEEB
Join our community for daily updates on jobs, skills, and financial growth opportunities.
