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Student Loans in Nigeria |
The Ministry of Information warns parents against double tuition payments. Learn how student loans in Nigeria through NELFUND help reduce financial burdens.
Ministry’s Warning on Student Loans
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has issued a strong warning to parents about the risk of paying double tuition fees for their children in universities.
Dr. Helen Nsirim, the Information and Public Relations Officer at the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt, explained in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some undergraduates who accessed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) concealed this information from their parents. This led to cases where parents unknowingly paid tuition fees already covered by loans.
Why Parents Must Verify NELFUND Loan Status
Dr. Nsirim emphasized the importance of verifying student loan beneficiaries before making tuition payments. She noted that some students exploit the lack of transparency, creating unnecessary financial burdens for families already struggling.
Key points highlighted include:
- Some students deliberately hide their NELFUND loan status to collect extra money from parents.
- The loan scheme was designed by the Federal Government to ease tuition burdens, not increase them.
- Transparency in publishing loan beneficiary lists will protect families from extortion.
Call for Greater Transparency
To address these concerns, Nsirim urged NELFUND to publish its list of loan beneficiaries annually. This should be done through:
- Official university portals
- National newspapers
- Verified social media platforms
Such measures would empower parents to confirm their children’s loan status easily, thereby avoiding double tuition payments.
For updates on student loan programmes in Nigeria, you can follow the official NELFUND portal where guidelines and eligibility criteria are regularly published.
Role of Parents in Preventing Double Payments
While the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been active in sensitizing the public, Nsirim stressed that parents must also take initiative.
Practical steps parents can take:
- Stay informed about ongoing student loan opportunities in Nigeria.
- Regularly check NELFUND updates via official websites and social media.
- Engage with university authorities before paying tuition.
- Encourage their children to apply for loans if eligible, rather than concealing information.
Instead of spending time on social media trends, Nsirim encouraged parents to channel efforts into monitoring loan updates that can significantly reduce their financial burden.
About NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established by the Federal Government to provide financial support for students in tertiary institutions. Its primary aim is to improve access to higher education in Nigeria by reducing tuition-related challenges.
Parents and students are advised to regularly check official communications to ensure they benefit from the programme while avoiding fraud or misinformation.
Stay Alert, Save Money
The Ministry’s caution serves as a reminder that student loans in Nigeria are meant to ease financial burdens, not double them. Parents should always confirm their children’s NELFUND loan status before making tuition payments. By staying informed and proactive, families can avoid unnecessary expenses and make the most of available opportunities.
👉 To stay updated, visit the official NELFUND website and encourage your children to apply if eligible. Financial empowerment begins with the right information.
