Student Loan Disbursements: Matters Arising

The recent commencement of student loan disbursements under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has sparked conversations across campuses and social platforms. While the initiative promises financial relief for many students, there are still grey areas and concerns worth exploring.

Here’s what’s bubbling beneath the surface:

Disbursement Delays & Uncertainty

Many students are still in the dark about when exactly funds will hit their accounts. While NELFUND has shared timelines, delays tied to verification processes and institutional bottlenecks have raised anxiety levels on campuses.

Eligibility Concerns

Some students feel left out. The criteria around family income, academic performance, and institutional cooperation have sparked debate over who truly qualifies — and who doesn’t.

School Participation Gap

Not all institutions are on board yet. Some schools are still finalizing backend processes, while others have not been fully integrated into the system. This has left some students confused and excluded.

Repayment Anxiety

While loans are meant to be repaid post-graduation, there’s concern over how realistic that is in today’s job market. Will repayment terms be flexible? What happens to unemployed graduates?

The Big Picture

Beyond the money, this scheme could redefine access to higher education in Nigeria — but only if the system works smoothly, transparently, and inclusively.