The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has clarified that applying for its student loan scheme is voluntary and not compulsory for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, stressing that access to the facility should depend on individual financial needs.
The clarification, issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, comes amid controversy over a directive by the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, requiring students in its Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes to apply for the federal government’s student loan scheme.
In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said the scheme was established to help eligible Nigerian students overcome financial barriers to higher education. It maintained that students who can meet their educational expenses without assistance are under no obligation to apply for or access the loan.
The Fund warned that making the facility compulsory for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, would contradict its purpose. According to NELFUND, the objective is to ensure that students who genuinely need financial assistance can access it, rather than encourage every student to borrow.
The controversy surrounding the Enugu institution followed an internal memorandum dated October 6, 2026, signed by its Acting Registrar, Patrick A. Aneke. The memo informed students and members of the college community that accessing the NELFUND scheme had become compulsory for all students in both NCE and degree programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session.
It directed fresh and continuing students to visit the office of the college’s NELFUND desk officer, Dr Rufina Agu, to apply for the facility. It also instructed deans, directors, heads of academic departments and the Student Union Government to communicate the directive to students.
Sahara Reporters subsequently reported that the directive had generated concerns among students, with leaked WhatsApp conversations allegedly indicating that failure to comply could affect examination clearance and students’ ability to continue their studies. The reported consequences were not independently confirmed in the college memorandum itself.
In its clarification, NELFUND further reminded prospective beneficiaries that although the loan is interest-free, it carries repayment obligations under the provisions of the Student Loans Act. The Fund advised students to understand the terms and conditions of the scheme and make informed decisions before applying.
The agency also urged tertiary institutions, student leaders and other stakeholders to provide accurate information about the programme and guide students appropriately, particularly those who require financial support to continue their education.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent eligible Nigerian students from pursuing higher education.
