The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed rumors circulating on social media and online platforms that the Federal Government has discontinued the payment of students’ upkeep allowance under the student loan system.
In a statement by the Director, Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND denounced the reports as inaccurate, deceptive and aimed at causing panic, uncertainty and distrust among recipients and the public.
The Fund noted that the publications, which include a statement falsely credited to NELFUND and an AI-generated front page of The Nigerian Tribune, are wholly bogus and do not emanate from any authorised government source.
According to NELFUND, neither the Federal Government nor the agency has issued any instruction on the suspension of upkeep allowances for students.
“The circulating publications did not come from NELFUND or any approved government channel,” the statement read, adding that the newspaper cover being circulated online is AI produced and does not reflect an authentic publication from The Nigerian Tribune.
“The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency and efficiency in the disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate,” it stated.
The NELFUND has appealed to beneficiaries, stakeholders and the general public to avoid the misleading news and rely on information from its official communication channels and trustworthy media outlets.
The Fund also cautioned the public against sharing unsubstantiated material that could spread disinformation and cause unneeded concern among kids and parents nationwide.
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to increasing access to tertiary education and helping Nigerian students with sustainable funding schemes.
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