The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed as false a viral social media document claiming that the Federal Government suspended the payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the Student Loan Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The agency described the document as a forgery designed to mislead students and the general public, stressing that the disbursement of approved student loans and monthly upkeep allowances continues without interruption.
In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said the fake memo, dated July 10, 2026, was neither produced nor authorized by the agency. The document falsely claimed that the Federal Government had run out of funds for May and June, leading to a temporary suspension of upkeep allowance payments.
NELFUND categorically denied the claim, stating that there has been no policy change regarding the administration of the student loan programme. It emphasized that all approved institutional fees and upkeep allowances are being processed in line with established procedures.
“The document currently circulating on social media did not originate from NELFUND and should be disregarded in its entirety,” the agency said, urging students not to be misled by unverified information.
The clarification comes amid growing reliance on the Student Loan Scheme by thousands of Nigerian students seeking financial support for tuition and living expenses. Upkeep allowances are a key component of the programme, providing eligible beneficiaries with financial assistance to help cover accommodation, transportation, feeding and other day-to-day educational costs.
False reports suggesting a suspension of payments had sparked concerns among beneficiaries, many of whom depend on the monthly support to continue their studies. NELFUND’s swift response is expected to reassure students and participating tertiary institutions that the programme remains operational.
The agency further advised beneficiaries, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders to verify all information relating to the Student Loan Scheme through its official website and verified communication platforms. It warned that misinformation could create unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence in one of the Federal Government’s flagship education financing initiatives.
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparent, efficient and timely disbursement of approved loans and upkeep allowances while continuing to strengthen access to higher education through sustainable student financing. The Fund also encouraged members of the public to report misleading publications and rely exclusively on official announcements for updates on the programme.
