July 25, 2026
Thousands of students benefiting from the Federal Government’s student loan programme have begun receiving outstanding upkeep allowances for June and July, following fresh disbursements by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
The latest payment, amounting to ₦40,000 per beneficiary, represents the settlement of the two-month backlog after recipients had earlier received their ₦20,000 May upkeep allowance within the past few weeks.
The development has been welcomed by students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, many of whom confirmed receiving bank alerts on Friday. Beneficiaries described the payment as a major relief, saying it would help them meet essential expenses such as feeding, transportation, accommodation, study materials and other day-to-day academic needs.
Across social media platforms, several students expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that the upkeep support has reduced the financial pressure on both students and their families amid prevailing economic challenges. Many also commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing the student loan initiative, describing it as a programme that has enabled many undergraduates to remain in school despite rising living costs.
The students also praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, for overseeing the release of the outstanding allowances. According to many beneficiaries, the payment of both months at once reflects the agency’s commitment to resolving earlier delays and improving the efficiency of future disbursements.
The release comes after weeks of complaints by some beneficiaries over delays in receiving their monthly upkeep. During the period, several students had taken to social media to lament the situation, saying the absence of the allowance made it difficult to cater for basic needs and affected their academic activities.
While welcoming the latest development, some beneficiaries urged NELFUND to establish a more predictable payment timetable and strengthen communication whenever delays occur. They expressed optimism that the settlement of the June and July arrears marks the beginning of more consistent monthly disbursements.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reassured beneficiaries who are yet to receive payment that the process is still ongoing.
National President of NANS, Akinteye Afeez, said the association had received assurances that every qualified beneficiary would receive all outstanding entitlements as payments continue in batches.
“The payment of June and July NELFUND upkeep allowances has officially commenced. As I assured you, every outstanding backlog will be paid. We remain committed to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian student is left behind,” Afeez stated.
He appealed to students whose accounts are yet to be credited to remain patient, explaining that the disbursement is being carried out in phases. He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to engaging relevant authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the student loan programme and safeguard the welfare of Nigerian students.
Do you think NELFUND should maintain a fixed monthly schedule for paying students’ upkeep allowances?
Has the NELFUND upkeep allowance made a meaningful difference to students’ welfare?
What improvements would you like to see in the implementation of the NELFUND student loan scheme?
Apex NNews | Federal Govt Loan Update
