NANS Demands Sack of VCs, Rectors Involved in Student Loan Mismanagement
Student Body Calls for Accountability in NELFUND Scheme
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong demand to federal and state governments to remove tertiary institution heads found guilty of mismanaging the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
Allegations of Fraudulent Practices
This call comes amid growing concerns about alleged fraudulent activities by some institutions, including:
- Double billing of tuition fees
- Withholding loan disbursement information
- Colluding with banks for personal gain
NANS President Comrade Olushola Ladoja described these practices as systemic abuse during a media briefing in Abuja, warning that involved administrators would face nationwide student protests.
“We will agitate for the removal of any Vice Chancellor, Rector or Provost found withholding students’ loans or engaging in dubious dealings,” Ladoja declared.
Government Engagement and Planned Action
NANS leadership has already:
- Met with Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa
- Consulted with NELFUND MD Akintunde Sawyerr
- Scheduled a critical meeting with all Student Union Presidents
Investigations Confirm Widespread Malpractice
Both NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have confirmed:
- Institutions demanding duplicate tuition payments
- Schools deliberately withholding loan information
- Possible collusion with financial institutions
NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu revealed that anti-corruption agencies are currently investigating these allegations.
Concerns About Scheme’s Future
While praising the loan initiative for reducing dropout rates, Ladoja warned that continued mismanagement could compromise:
- The scheme’s credibility
- Federal government’s education reforms
- Access to education for underprivileged students
NANS pledged ongoing monitoring to ensure the program remains transparent and beneficial to students.