The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the alleged withholding of disbursed student loans by some tertiary institutions and banks, vowing to stage protests if the malpractice continues.
According to findings reported by PUNCH on Wednesday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) claimed that certain institutions have failed to notify students about loan disbursements made on their behalf, while still demanding tuition payments.
The revelation followed an investigation by Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which unveiled unethical practices in the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan programme.
Reacting to the development, NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the actions as “deceptive and a betrayal of trust by the universities.” He added that such practices are an attack on the rights and welfare of students who depend on the loans for access to higher education.
“These actions, which include failing to inform students about loan disbursements and demanding tuition payments despite receiving funds, are not only deceptive but also a betrayal of the trust placed in these institutions,” Adeyemi said.
He stressed that the student body would not hesitate to mobilise protests and pursue legal action against institutions found culpable. NANS has also urged students affected by the issue to report cases to its leadership in their respective states.
Adeyemi further called on NELFUND and NOA to intensify investigations and ensure accountability in the loan disbursement process.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of students across the nation,” he concluded.
