Nigerian Students Demand Action Against Corrupt University Officials
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the federal and state governments to take drastic action against university officials found to be mismanaging the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme. This comes amid growing concerns over alleged fraudulent practices by some institutions, including double billing of tuition fees, withholding loan disbursement announcements, and conspiring with banks for personal gain.
According to NANS, these practices not only undermine the government’s commitment to inclusive education but also inflict hardship on struggling students. The newly elected NANS President, Comrade Olushola Ladoja, has warned that any head of institution involved in dubious dealings will face nationwide student-led resistance and calls for removal. “We will agitate for their removal,” Ladoja declared. “NANS will not accept such betrayal. We will fight whosoever is found wanting.”
NANS has already met with the Minister of Education and the Managing Director of NELFUND to table students’ concerns, and both officials have assured that necessary action will be taken to address the irregularities. A critical meeting is scheduled for this week, where student union leaders from across the country will convene with NANS executives and NELFUND officials to discuss the issues and chart a way forward.
The move follows recent revelations of widespread malpractice by both NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Many institutions have continued to demand tuition fees from students despite receiving payments directly from the loan fund. Internal investigations have corroborated claims that several schools are deliberately withholding information from student beneficiaries.
The Director-General of the NOA has disclosed that anti-corruption agencies have been notified and are investigating institutions suspected of colluding with financial institutions to exploit the student loan system. NANS has applauded the student loan initiative, noting that it has significantly reduced dropout rates and increased access to education, particularly for students from underprivileged backgrounds. However, the organization has warned that unless immediate action is taken to curb mismanagement, the credibility of the scheme and the government’s education reforms may be compromised.
As the situation unfolds, NANS has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and ensuring that the student loan scheme remains transparent, accountable, and beneficial to the students it was designed to support. With the future of Nigeria’s education system at stake, the organization is determined to fight against corruption and protect the rights of students across the country.
