By Owede Agbajileke, Abuja

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has raised concerns that certain tertiary institutions still require students to pay institutional fees, despite the agency having already made disbursements on their behalf.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, made the revelation in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

While frowning at the trend, the Managing Director issued a strong warning to institutions engaged in the act to desist from it.

He, however, did not name the institutions involved.

“This act of withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but a direct violation of the principles upon which NELFUND was established,” said Mr. Sawyerr. “We will not hesitate to take legal action against any institution found engaging in such deceptive practices”.

The MD emphasized that NELFUND’s mission is to expand access to higher education by relieving the financial burden on Nigerian students and their families, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Sawyerr called on all institutions to uphold transparency and work collaboratively to ensure the efficient delivery of its national mandate.

He said: “NELFUND exists to ensure no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to lack of funds. We urge institutions to support this noble cause and avoid any actions that could undermine public trust or deny students their rightful support.”

The Fund reassures students and the public of its commitment to accountability, fairness, and the successful implementation of the student loan scheme across the country.