NELFUND requests UNILAG to refund fees to students

FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has requested that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) reimburse students who have received financial assistance from the Fund for fees already paid.

This request was made by NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, during a recent sensitization meeting with UNILAG students.

Sawyerr, represented by the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, emphasized that the refund would address complaints from students who paid their fees before the Fund disbursed their loan payments to the university.

He also reminded tertiary institutions nationwide of their agreement with NELFUND not to bar students from academic activities due to non-payment of fees, particularly those who have applied for and been verified under the loan scheme.

Sawyerr stressed the importance of continued sensitization on campuses to boost student participation in the scheme and advised prospective migrants among student beneficiaries to honor their loan repayment obligations after relocating abroad.

In his response, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Obalola, acknowledged that refunds had been made to many students, assuring those yet to be refunded that the process was near completion.

Ogunsola, thus, urged students to provide accurate bank details to facilitate seamless refunds.

The VC attributed the mix-up over payment of fees to a mismatch between NELFUND’s disbursement calendar and the university’s academic schedule.

She praised the student loan scheme for offering financial relief, noting that despite modest fees in public universities, many students still struggle to pay.

NELFUND’s Head of IT, Mr. Wale Ogunleye, revealed that 7,112 UNILAG students had registered for the loan, with 5,566 approved and disbursements made to 4,636 students.

Ogunleye urged applicants to ensure they meet eligibility criteria, including Nigerian citizenship, confirmed undergraduate admission, and uploading of admission letters and student ID cards on the portal.