By Staff Reporter
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commenced an investigation into 34 tertiary institutions across the country over allegations of failing to refund students whose tuition fees were paid twice under the Federal Government’s student loan programme.
The probe follows a wave of complaints from students who claimed they had personally paid their tuition fees before NELFUND later disbursed the same fees directly to their institutions, leaving many entitled to refunds that have yet to be paid.
Speaking on the development, NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed that the agency is working closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and internal auditors to establish the facts surrounding the complaints.
According to Sawyerr, the double payments occurred because the student loan scheme was introduced in the middle of an academic session, when many students had already settled their tuition fees. After NELFUND subsequently paid the institutions on behalf of the same students, the schools became obligated to refund those who had already made payments.
He explained that while some institutions have complied with the refund process, others have either delayed or failed to return the money, prompting the ongoing investigation.
NELFUND clarified that it does not possess the statutory powers to compel institutions to make refunds or prosecute offenders. However, it said the involvement of anti-corruption agencies would ensure accountability where any wrongdoing is established.
To strengthen transparency and prevent similar incidents in future disbursements, the Fund is introducing a token-based payment system that will require students to electronically authorise tuition payments before funds are released to their institutions.
As of Tuesday, July 7, 2026, NELFUND had not released the identities of the 34 institutions under investigation. The agency stated that the names would only be made public after due process and the conclusion of its findings.
The investigation is expected to provide relief for affected students while reinforcing confidence in the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, which aims to improve access to higher education by easing the financial burden of tuition payments.
