Leaders of student unions in the Southwest have called for greater transparency regarding the disbursement of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in the country’s higher education institutions. The call came after allegations surfaced of illegal deductions from the loans provided to students by some institutions.
In an address to the media in Osogbo on Friday, Samson Adeleke, Chairman of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), stressed that Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of institutions must be open and transparent in managing these funds to ensure the sustainability of the loan scheme.
“We demand that Vice-Chancellors and Provosts of tertiary institutions in Osun State provide a clear and detailed account of how NELFUND is being disbursed and spent. Transparency and accountability are crucial to ensure that students receive the full benefits they are entitled to,” Adeleke stated. He urged university management to address the issue urgently, emphasizing that students have the right to know how the funds are utilized and their impact on their welfare.
Owolewa Taiwo, the coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in the Southwest, echoed these concerns, stating, “We are closely monitoring the Vice-Chancellors and management of these institutions regarding the use of NELFUND.” Taiwo also expressed concern over rising cultism incidents in institutions, calling on university leaders to enhance security measures to protect students.
Adeleke and Taiwo highlighted that a secure and supportive environment is critical for academic success and student welfare.
