The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has directed the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to reimburse students who had already paid their tuition fees before receiving loan disbursements from the Fund.
This directive came during a recent sensitization session with UNILAG students, where NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized the Fund’s commitment to fairness and accountability. Represented by the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Sawyerr said the refund addresses complaints from students who made out-of-pocket payments while awaiting loan support.
He reiterated that institutions are not permitted to exclude students from academic activities due to outstanding fees—especially when students have applied for, and are verified under, the loan scheme.
“The student loan scheme was designed to ensure no eligible Nigerian student is left behind due to financial constraints,” said Sawyerr. He also encouraged continued sensitization campaigns on campuses and urged beneficiaries planning to migrate abroad to remain committed to loan repayment.
Responding on behalf of the university, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola—representing UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola—confirmed that several students have already received refunds. He added that others will be paid once accurate bank details are confirmed.
The delay, according to the university, stemmed from a mismatch between the academic calendar and NELFUND’s disbursement schedule. Still, the VC lauded the zero-interest loan scheme as a transformative policy that eases the financial burden on students, even in institutions where tuition fees are relatively low.
During the session, Mr. Wale Ogunleye, NELFUND’s Head of IT, disclosed that out of 7,112 UNILAG students who registered for the loan, 5,566 were approved and 4,636 had received funds.
He advised students to meet eligibility criteria, including confirming Nigerian citizenship, valid undergraduate admission, and uploading supporting documents like admission letters and student ID cards on the NELFUND portal.
As Nigeria works to expand access to tertiary education through targeted financial aid, the NELFUND-UNILAG partnership is expected to serve as a model for other institutions across the continent striving to bridge the gap between affordability and academic opportunity.
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