The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised former Senator Dino Melaye over his comments on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), accusing him of misrepresenting the scheme by suggesting that it only provides ₦20,000 to students.
NANS President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, stated this in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, in response to comments attributed to Melaye on the NELFUND initiative.
The students’ body said the ₦20,000 payment referenced by Melaye represents only the upkeep component of the scheme and does not constitute the total support available to beneficiaries.
According to NANS, NELFUND covers eligible institutional fees, with tuition and other approved charges paid directly to the respective institutions, while upkeep payments are made directly into students’ bank accounts.
The association said the initiative provides interest-free loans and was introduced to reduce financial barriers to accessing higher education in Nigeria.
NANS further said the NELFUND structure clearly distinguishes between institutional payments and upkeep support, arguing that reducing the entire initiative to the ₦20,000 upkeep component amounts to a misrepresentation of the scheme.
While responding to Melaye’s criticism, NANS said he was free to scrutinise or challenge government policies but should base such criticism on accurate information and facts.
The association urged the former senator and former student leader to familiarise himself with the details of the NELFUND programme before making further public comments on matters affecting Nigerian students.
NANS said the initiative was benefiting students and their families by helping to reduce the financial burden associated with higher education.
The students’ body called for more informed and issue-based discussions on policies affecting students, stressing that public debate on NELFUND should consider the wider support provided under the scheme rather than focusing solely on the upkeep component.
The statement was signed by Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of NANS.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.