The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed reports circulating on social media and online platforms claiming that the Federal Government has suspended the payment of students’ upkeep allowances under the student loan scheme.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NELFUND described the reports as false, misleading and aimed at creating panic, confusion and distrust among beneficiaries and the general public.
The Fund said the publications, including a statement falsely attributed to it and a purported newspaper front page allegedly published by the Nigerian Tribune, were fabricated and did not originate from any official source.
NELFUND clarified that neither the Federal Government nor the Fund had issued any directive suspending the disbursement of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the student loan programme.
It further stated that the newspaper cover being circulated online was generated using artificial intelligence and does not represent an authentic publication of the Nigerian Tribune.
The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate.
” No directive has been issued by the Federal Government or NELFUND regarding the suspension of upkeep allowances,” the statement said.
NELFUND urged beneficiaries, stakeholders and members of the public to disregard the fake publications and rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels and credible media outlets.
The agency also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of fueling misinformation and causing unnecessary anxiety among students and parents across the country.
According to the Fund, it remains committed to expanding access to higher education through sustainable financing initiatives and supporting Nigerian students in their academic pursuits.