The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has said no student in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions is under any obligation to apply for a student loan, insisting that the scheme is meant to help those facing financial hardship, not force every student to borrow.
The Fund’s clarification comes after Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, reportedly made applying for the NELFUND loan compulsory for all NCE and degree students, with non-compliance potentially leading to examination bans.
In a memo dated October 6, 2026, Acting Registrar Patrick A. Aneke stated: “This is to bring to the knowledge of all College students and indeed the College Community that it is now compulsory for every student (both in NCE and Degree programmes) to enroll and access the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).”
The memo directed fresh and returning students to apply through the college’s NELFUND desk officer, Dr Rufina Agu, for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The directive sparked heated exchanges in a WhatsApp group, where Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Bertrand Ekwe, reportedly confirmed that a NELFUND receipt was required for examination clearance.
When a student asked what would happen if their parents refused to allow them to apply, the account identified as the dean’s replied: “Then it might be very difficult for you to continue in ESCET.”
Asked whether students without the receipt would be barred from examinations, the dean reportedly responded: “Yes for now or if management change their decision.”
The dean also allegedly warned a member criticising the policy: “Don’t discourage others through this platform. We promote State Government interest here. If you continue, I will remove you.”
Some students argued that the loan should remain optional, with one message stating: “In as much we are supporting NELFUND loan, it shouldn’t be compulsory for all the students, NELFUND loan was established for the less privileged students.”
The message also alleged that school fees of N8,500 were being displayed as N9,500 on some NELFUND dashboards.
In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND stressed that accessing the interest-free loan remains a personal decision that must be guided by a student’s financial circumstances and genuine need for assistance.
The Fund explained that the scheme was set up to break financial barriers to higher education and prevent eligible Nigerian students from abandoning their academic ambitions because of a lack of funds.
It, however, warned against any interpretation or practice that could make borrowing compulsory for students, irrespective of their financial capacity.
According to the Fund, forcing students who do not need financial assistance to take loans would defeat the purpose of the programme.
“The objective is not to encourage every student to borrow, but to ensure that every eligible Nigerian student who genuinely needs financial assistance has the opportunity to access it,” NELFUND said.
It added that the loan scheme was a support mechanism rather than an obligation, stressing that students who could independently meet their educational expenses were free to pursue their studies without applying for the facility.
Beyond clarifying the voluntary nature of the scheme, NELFUND reminded prospective beneficiaries that the interest-free facility carries repayment obligations under the provisions of the Student Loans Act.
The Fund, therefore, urged students to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions governing the loans and make informed decisions before submitting applications.
While describing the scheme as a critical intervention to expand access to higher education, NELFUND maintained that its priority remained ensuring that financial difficulties did not prevent qualified Nigerian students from pursuing their educational aspirations.
The Fund also called on tertiary institutions, student leaders and other stakeholders to provide accurate information about the programme and guide students appropriately, particularly those struggling to finance their education.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that eligible students who genuinely require financial assistance could access the facility without being misled into believing that taking a loan was a compulsory condition for studying in a Nigerian tertiary institution.
