In recent days, reports have circulated across social media and some online platforms claiming that beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have been instructed to begin repaying their student loans. These reports have caused widespread concern among students, parents, and educational institutions nationwide.
However, NELFUND has officially dismissed these claims, describing them as false, misleading, and unfounded.
NELFUND’s Official Position
According to a formal statement issued by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) through the Presidency and supported by the NELFUND Beneficiaries Association Nigeria (NBAN), no directive has been issued asking students to commence loan repayment.
The clarification follows a purported circular attributed to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), which allegedly outlined repayment procedures. The Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), has denied that the document originated from the institution, confirming that no repayment guideline has been issued by either NELFUND or the Federal Government.
NELFUND stressed that any information suggesting otherwise should be treated as fake.
What the Law Says About Repayment
In line with the NELFUND Establishment Act, the repayment framework is clearly defined. The Fund highlighted three key points that every beneficiary should understand:
No student is required to repay the loan while still in school.
No repayment is required if a beneficiary remains unemployed after graduation.
Loan repayment only begins after graduation and upon securing gainful employment, as stipulated by law.
This means beneficiaries are legally protected from repayment obligations until they are financially capable of doing so.
No Official Repayment Directive Issued
NELFUND further clarified that:
No repayment guideline or directive has been released by the Fund or the Federal Government at this time.
Any future communication regarding repayment will be made strictly through verified NELFUND channels and official government platforms.
Students and the general public are therefore advised to ignore unverified circulars, rumours, and social media claims.
Call for Calm and Responsible Information Sharing
The NELFUND Beneficiaries Association Nigeria (NBAN) has also appealed to beneficiaries to remain calm and stay informed through official sources. The association warned that fake circulars and misleading posts can create unnecessary panic and confusion among students.
Both NELFUND and NBAN urged:
Students to disregard fake reports and unverified social media content.
Parents and institutions to rely only on official NELFUND announcements.
Members of the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
Commitment to Nigerian Students
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to higher education in Nigeria by providing transparent, fair, and student-friendly financing solutions. The Fund emphasized its dedication to accountability, due process, and the welfare of Nigerian students.
For enquiries or official updates, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact NELFUND via:
Email: info@nelf.gov.ng
Social media platforms:
X (formerly Twitter): @nelfund
Instagram: @nelfund
Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
Final Word
There is currently no instruction for students to start repaying their NELFUND loans. Repayment will only begin after graduation and upon securing gainful employment, as provided by law.
Students are advised to stay informed through verified NELFUND channels and to ignore rumours capable of causing unnecessary fear.
