The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to embark on countrywide peaceful mass action, including the occupation of the headquarters of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), over the prolonged delay in the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances.

The students’ body said it had received numerous complaints from beneficiaries across the country, alleging that the upkeep component of the student loan scheme had not been paid for the past two months, leaving many students stranded amid harsh economic conditions.

In a statement on Saturday, NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, described the delay as unacceptable and contrary to the objectives of the NELFUND initiative, which was established to provide financial relief and support to Nigerian students.

According to him, the continued withholding of the allowances has generated anxiety and frustration among beneficiaries who depend on the funds for their daily welfare and academic needs.

“We have it on good authority that the disbursement of students’ upkeep allowances has been on hold for the past two months without any clear explanation from the relevant authorities. This situation has created widespread concern among Nigerian students nationwide,” he said.

Afeez called on the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently intervene and resolve all issues responsible for the delay.

He demanded an immediate explanation from the authorities and the prompt payment of all outstanding allowances to affected students.

The NANS president warned that failure to address the situation within the shortest possible time would compel Nigerian students to take peaceful but decisive action.

“Failure to resolve all issues relating to the delayed upkeep payments and ensure that students receive their entitlements 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 stated.

He stressed that the planned action should not be viewed as a threat but as a legitimate expression of the frustrations of thousands of students whose welfare has been negatively impacted by the delay.

He reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian students and ensuring that their voices are heard on issues affecting their education and well-being.

The warning comes amid growing concerns among beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, many of whom rely on the upkeep allowances to meet transportation, feeding and other essential living expenses while pursuing their studies. (The Guardian)

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