The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the Federal Government has suspended the payment of students’ upkeep allowances under the student loan scheme.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NELFUND described the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create panic and distrust among beneficiaries and the public.
The agency said the misinformation included a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND as well as an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly published by the Nigerian Tribune.
NELFUND stated that no directive had been issued by either the Federal Government or the agency concerning the suspension of upkeep allowances.
“The publications in circulation did not originate from NELFUND or any authorised government channel,” the statement said.
The Fund further clarified that the newspaper cover currently being circulated online was fake and not an authentic publication of the Nigerian Tribune.
Reaffirming its commitment to students, NELFUND said it remained focused on the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate.
The agency urged beneficiaries, stakeholders, and members of the public to disregard the fake publications and rely only on verified information released through NELFUND’s official communication channels and credible media platforms.
NELFUND also cautioned the public against sharing unverified content capable of spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary anxiety among students and parents across the country.
The statement was signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND.
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