The Directorate of Information, Students’ Union, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), has addressed concerns raised by students over the delay in the refund of school fees following approval under the NELFUND Students Loan Scheme for the 2024/2025 academic session.

In an important notice issued on Monday, the Students’ Union explained that the delay is a result of ongoing administrative verification and reconciliation processes associated with the NELFUND disbursement.

According to the notice, it was discovered that some students who benefited from the 2023/2024 NELFUND loan and had already received refunds applied again for a second refund under the current process. The Union noted that such actions amount to duplication and possible fraud.

As a result, the university management is conducting a thorough scrutiny of all submitted refund applications to ensure that only genuine and eligible students receive refunds, while avoiding errors or reputational issues for both the institution and the affected students.

The Directorate further assured students who paid their school fees, later received approval for the 2024/2025 NELFUND loan, and duly submitted refund request letters with correct bank account details that their records are intact and that refunds will be processed once the verification exercise is completed.

Students were urged to remain calm and patient, as the refund process is ongoing and no eligible student will be denied their entitlement. The Union emphasized that there is no cause for panic.

Students are also advised to take advantage of the opportunity to reapply for the NELFUND loan, where applicable, while awaiting the conclusion of the refund process.

The notice was signed by Comrade Elijah Ubong, Director of Information, Students’ Union, Akwa Ibom State University, who reiterated the Union’s commitment to providing authentic and timely information to the student body.

— Directorate of Information, Students’ Union, AKSU