NELFUND asks UNILAG to refund fees paid by loan beneficiaries | The Guardian Nigeria News

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to refund students who paid their fees before receiving their loan disbursements from the Fund.

Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr, represented by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, made the request during a sensitisation meeting with UNILAG students.

He emphasised the need to address complaints from beneficiaries who initially paid out-of-pocket before NELFUND payments were processed.

Sawyerr reminded universities nationwide not to bar students from academic activities due to unpaid fees if the students have applied and been verified under the loan scheme.

He also encouraged student beneficiaries migrating abroad to fulfil their loan repayment obligations.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, through the Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Musa Obalola, confirmed that many refunds have been made and assured remaining students that refunds would be completed soon, urging them to provide accurate bank details.

The Vice-Chancellor attributed earlier payment confusion to a mismatch between NELFUND’s disbursement schedule and the university’s academic calendar, and praised the loan scheme as vital financial relief supporting access to quality education.

NELFUND’s Head of IT, Wale Ogunleye, shared that 7,112 UNILAG students registered for the loan, with 5,566 approved and 4,636 disbursed funds so far.

He reminded applicants to meet eligibility criteria, including confirmed admission and document uploads.