Education Minister denies loan misuse, unveils student loan reforms

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has dismissed claims of illegal deductions from student loans disbursed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stating that investigations revealed no evidence of misappropriation.

Speaking on May 14, 2025, at a meeting in Abuja with university Vice Chancellors, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), and NELFUND officials, Dr. Alausa attributed earlier reports to communication lapses between NELFUND, institutions, and students.

“The disbursement process is functional, but optimization is essential,” Alausa said. “We owe it to the students and the Nigerian public to ensure full transparency and standardization.”

To address the gaps, the Minister announced the formation of a high-level committee to harmonize university charges, which are often misinterpreted as hidden deductions. The committee will also define timelines for disbursement, student notification, and access to funds.

A new communication protocol will be implemented to ensure students are informed promptly through SMS, email, and phone calls. Alausa emphasized that while tertiary education remains tuition-free, all other charges must be clearly defined and justifiable.

The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks, after which the Ministry will release new guidelines on loan disbursement and usage within four weeks.

NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyer also highlighted the launch of a user-friendly digital platform for students to access and manage their loans transparently.

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, urged NELFUND to expand outreach and improve access, as the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in education.