The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially addressed and refuted circulating reports claiming that beneficiaries of the student loan scheme have been ordered to begin repayments.

​In a press statement released today, the Fund described these reports as "false, misleading, and unfounded," urging the public to disregard a fake circular currently being shared on social media.

​The controversy gained momentum following a purported circular linked to the University of Benin (UNIBEN). However, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), has since disowned the document, confirming it did not originate from the university. NELFUND reinforced this, stating that neither the Fund nor the Federal Government has issued any new repayment guidelines.

​NELFUND emphasized that the repayment framework is strictly governed by the NELFUND Establishment Act. According to the law, students are protected by the following conditions:

​In-School Status: No beneficiary is required to repay the loan while they are still pursuing their studies.

​Post-Graduation Unemployment: Repayment is not required if a graduate remains unemployed.

​Gainful Employment: Repayment only commences once a beneficiary has secured gainful employment, in line with statutory provisions.

​Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications for NELFUND, urged students, parents, and educational institutions to remain calm. She warned that unverified information is designed to cause "unnecessary anxiety" among students.

​The Fund reiterated that all official communications regarding loan administration or repayment will only be released through verified NELFUND channels and formal government platforms.

​For inquiries or to verify any information, the public is advised to reach out through:

​Email: info@nelf.gov.ng

​X (Twitter): @nelfund

​Instagram: @nelfund

​Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund - NELFUND

​Signed:

Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi

Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND