Onanuga, NANS reject Melaye’s N20k NELFUND claim as false yearly
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have denounced former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye’s claim that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) provides only N20,000 yearly to students. In a circulating video, Melaye described NELFUND as a "haven of corruption" and argued the amount cannot cover school fees at public tertiary institutions. Onanuga wondered what Melaye had smoked before making the claim, while NANS labeled him a comedian, jester, and slow‑witted, saying anyone who takes him seriously is unfortunate. NANS challenged Melaye to disclose any scholarships or bursaries he has given to students in his constituency and questioned his record on education policy during his time in the 8th Senate. Onanuga backed NANS on X, repeating the rebuke and asking what Melaye had smoked before going on TV. The exchange highlights the politicization of Tinubu’s student loan scheme and underscores the need for accurate information about NELFUND’s actual benefits. The controversy also reflects broader debates about the effectiveness and transparency of federal student loan programs in Nigeria. Readers should verify loan details through official NELFUND channels and treat unverified claims with skepticism, especially when they affect perceptions of government education financing.