The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has raised concerns over the prolonged delay in the payment of upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, warning that students across the country may embark on peaceful nationwide protests if the issue is not urgently addressed.
The President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the association had received several complaints from student beneficiaries regarding the non-payment of upkeep allowances for the past two months.
According to him, the delay has heightened frustration and uncertainty among students who depend on the funds to support their academic activities and daily living expenses.
Akinteye said the association had gathered credible information indicating that the disbursement process had remained stalled without any clear explanation from the relevant authorities.
“I have it on good authority that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months, with no clear explanation or accountability from the relevant authorities,” he stated.
The student leader described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that the NELFUND initiative was established to ease the financial burden on students, especially amid the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
“Without mincing words, I wish to state emphatically that the continued delay in the disbursement of these allowances is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“The primary objective of the NELFUND initiative is to provide relief and support to Nigerian students, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities. Any delay that deprives students of access to these funds undermines the very purpose for which the initiative was established.”
Akinteye called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr; the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa; and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to intervene immediately and ensure that all issues responsible for the delay are resolved.
He urged the authorities to provide students with a clear explanation and commence payment of all outstanding allowances without further delay.
The NANS president warned that failure to address the matter promptly could lead to peaceful mass protests by students nationwide, including demonstrations at the headquarters of NELFUND.
“Consequently, NANS hereby calls on NELFUND and all relevant stakeholders to resolve all issues relating to the delayed upkeep payments and ensure that students receive their entitlements. Failure to do this within the shortest period of time will leave Nigerian students with no option but to embark on peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the NELFUND Head Office, until concrete steps are taken to address the situation,” he said.
He, however, clarified that the warning should not be interpreted as a threat, but rather as an expression of the growing frustrations among students affected by the delay.
“This notice should not be construed as a threat but as a legitimate expression of the frustrations of thousands of Nigerian students whose welfare continues to be adversely affected by the prolonged delay,” he added.
Akinteye reaffirmed the commitment of NANS to protecting the welfare, rights and academic interests of Nigerian students across the country.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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