NANS warns of nationwide protest if NELFUND allowances not paid soon

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says upkeep allowances under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have been unpaid for the past two months, with no explanation from authorities. The association said it had received numerous complaints from beneficiaries who rely on the funds for tuition, books, and daily expenses, and that the prolonged delay has heightened uncertainty among students nationwide. NANS President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez warned in a Saturday statement that if the delay continues, students across Nigeria may embark on peaceful nationwide protests, including possible occupation of the NELFUND headquarters. He called on NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr, Education Minister Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and Finance Minister Wale Edun to immediately resolve the disbursement issues and pay all outstanding allowances. Afeez stressed that the delay undermines NELFUND’s purpose of easing students’ financial burden amid economic hardship, and emphasized that the warning reflects genuine frustration, not a threat. He urged authorities to provide a clear account and commence payments without further delay to avert mass action.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/20/nans-threatens-nationwide-protest-over-delayed-nelfund-allowances/