NELFUND Denies Suspending Students’ Upkeep Allowance

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that the federal government has suspended the payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the student loan scheme.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the NELFUND Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, who described the reports as fabricated and aimed at creating panic, confusion, and distrust among students and the general public.

Naija News reports that she noted specifically that neither the federal government nor the agency has issued any directive concerning the suspension of upkeep allowance payments.

The statement added that the fake reports included a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND, as well as an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from the Nigerian Tribune.

The agency, however, clarified that the publications in circulation are fake and did not originate from the agency or any authorised government communication channel.

The Fund further clarified that the newspaper cover being widely shared online was artificially generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and does not represent an authentic publication.

The Fund urged beneficiaries, stakeholders, students, parents and members of the public to disregard the fake publications and rely only on verified information released through NELFUND’s official communication channels and credible media organisations.

NELFUND also cautioned the public against sharing unverified content capable of spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary anxiety nationwide.

“The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement added.