The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has addressed claims in a recent Punch Newspaper publication, clarifying alleged barriers to student loan applications.
Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, stated that the reported gap between 88,136 registered students and completed applications does not indicate systemic issues. “Many students delay applications due to personal or academic reasons,” she explained, emphasising the flexibility of the portal.
She highlighted NELFUND’s robust daily registration rates—1,000 new registrations and 2,000 applications—alongside client support and sensitisation programs ensuring accessibility. Oluwatuyi urged media outlets to verify facts, reaffirming NELFUND’s commitment to efficient, inclusive education funding. Read the bebuttal below:
Rebuttal: Clarifying Misconceptions About NELFUND Loan Applications
The attention of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has been drawn to a recent publication titled “88,136 Students Unable to Apply for NELFUND Loans” in the Punch Newspaper, which appears to misrepresent the student loan application process.
We wish to clarify the following points for the benefit of the public and the media:
1. Registration vs. Application: The difference between the number of registered students and those who have completed their loan applications does not necessarily indicate that students are unable to apply. Not all students who register on the NELFUND portal immediately proceed to complete their loan applications. Some choose to delay their applications for personal or academic calendar related reasons.
2. Daily Registration and Application Rates: NELFUND records an average of 1,000 new registrations daily and additional 2,000 loan applications daily. This indicates that many students who registered earlier often return to complete their applications at a later time. This gradual process reflects the flexibility of the system, allowing students to apply at their own pace.
3. Continuous Support for Applicants: NELFUND has established multiple support channels, including a robust client support service framework and sensitization programs, to guide students through the application process.
We remain committed to ensuring that all eligible students who wish to apply can do so without difficulty.
We urge the media to avoid conclusions that may mislead the public and to engage with NELFUND for accurate information when reporting on such matters.
Our goal remains to provide a transparent, inclusive, and efficient student loan process to support Nigerian students in their pursuit of education.
Signed:
Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi
Director Strategic Communications
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