Recipients of the Federal Government's Student Loan Program Are Expressing Frustration

Recipients of the Federal Government's student loan program are expressing frustration over the delayed disbursement of their August allowances.

In interviews with our correspondent, several students conveyed their disappointment with the late payments.

According to The PUNCH, students have the option to apply for a maintenance loan, in addition to institutional loans, which are paid directly to universities.

In July, a total of 20,371 students from six higher education institutions received stipends of N20,000 each.

The universities reported to have benefited from these payments are Bayero University, Kano; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina; University of Ilorin, Kwara; University of Benin, Edo; University of Ibadan, Oyo; and University of Maiduguri, Borno.

A student from Bayero University, Kano, speaking anonymously to avoid repercussions, said, "We haven’t received the August allowance yet. I am very confused. Please, speak to the authorities on our behalf. The economy is getting tougher. We are even pleading for an increase in the stipend, as N20,000 is not sufficient."

A University of Ibadan student, also choosing to remain anonymous, commented, "Honestly, I was expecting the payment by the end of the month, but we haven't received any updates regarding the delay."

Similarly, a University of Benin student expressed, "It's becoming too late. NELFUND needs to act. Our tuition fees have been covered, but at this point, the upkeep funds are crucial. Please help us contact them."

Addressing the situation, NELFUND's Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, stated that the students are likely to receive their N20,000 allowance this week. 

"It’s been approved. They should receive it this week," Oluwatuyi confirmed.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to raise the monthly stipend from N20,000 to N40,000.