Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Student Loan scheme, administered by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), have hailed the initiative as a vital financial lifeline. 
 
They described the policy as a welcome financial relief, expressing gratitude to the Federal Government and NELFUND for the timely support. 
 
This comes as there are calls on the Fund to extend the scheme to cover accommodation costs. 
 
Speaking with our correspondent, Dauda Shupkuk, a 300-Level History and International Studies of the University of Jos, praised the initiative, stating that it had greatly alleviated the financial burden on him and family. 
 
He described the facility as a ‘game changer’ that had lessened his financial worries, allowing him to concentrate on studies without the burden of fees and upkeep. 
 
“I’m a beneficiary of NELFUND. My school fees were paid this session,” he said, adding: “About N135,000. And I received N20,000 monthly as upkeep. I have received twice. I’m waiting for this month.”
 
Shupkuk, who doubles as Secretary General, Student Union Government (SUG) UNIJOS added: “It has caused a lot of relief. My mother sponsors me. It is helpful to her because at least, she can divert the funds that she used for me to my younger ones.”
 
Also speaking, the SUG President, Jane Pwajok, re-echoed the sentiments of many students, when she appealed to the Fund to consider extending the scheme to cover accommodation expenses. 
 
While vouching for the legitimacy of the scheme, Pwajok, a sixth-year medical student, revealed that her personal interactions with numerous beneficiary students have r reinforced her conviction that the initiative was genuine. 
 
“Recently, we had exams, which concluded three weeks ago. And I can say that a very good number of the students applied, and got their funds disbursed.”

In fact, those who had not gotten their school fees disbursed but had it approved or verified, were also allowed to write, hoping that NELFUND will subsequently disburse. 
 
“So, if they were doubting the disbursement of the fund, I don’t think the university authorities would have allowed them to write without seeing the funds,” she added. 
 
Similarly, Shupkuk underscored the need for the agency to consider expanding its support services to address the pressing issue of accommodation challenges faced by students. 
 
He stressed that providing financial assistance for tuition fees was a significant step, but equally important is ensuring that students have access to affordable and decent accommodation for their overall well-being and academic success. 
 
Also, Muhammad Ali Mustapha, a 200 Level undergraduate of University of Maiduguri, stated that the N20,000 monthly upkeep would greatly alleviate his financial concerns, particularly with regards to transportation costs. 
 
This, he noted, would enable him to concentrate on his academic pursuits without having to burden his father with fare requests. 
 
Meanwhile, the Fund has clarified that students, who paid their institutional fees before receiving their loan disbursements, would be reimbursed by their respective institutions.
 
The agency stated this on its official X handle. 
 
In response to a query posed by X user Wisdom Audi (@WisdomAudi26863) regarding the status of students who settled their school fees prior to receiving their NELFUND loan, the agency (@NELFUND) clarified that “the institution will refund the students in this position.”