Unilorin denies involvement in NELFUND illegal deductions

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The University of Ilorin has distanced itself from reports alleging its involvement in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ilorin, the institution described the inclusion of its name in a report by The Guardian newspaper as a mistake, stating that the journalist failed to seek clarification before publication.

Titled “A Rebuttal of Guardian’s Story” and signed by the university’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the statement firmly denied any wrongdoing.

“We dissociate the University of Ilorin from any shady dealings in the disbursement of NELFUND to our students,” the statement read. “We believe the newspaper’s inclusion of our name was an oversight, especially as no clarification was sought from us.”

The university clarified that it has received NELFUND disbursements on three occasions, all of which were handled transparently. The first tranche of N52.9 million covered 802 students, who were fully refunded as approved. The second tranche of N219.4 million for 2,171 beneficiaries was also processed properly, with no upfront charges levied on students.

It further asserted that any shortfall noted after disbursement was minimal and clearly accounted for.

According to the statement, the third tranche of N679 million, meant for 7,273 students, is currently being disbursed, with 1,907 students in Batch 1 already receiving payments.

The university emphasized that it maintained a zero-tolerance policy for illegality and remains committed to the welfare of its students.