NELFUND Denies Suspension of Students’ Upkeep Allowance

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme. In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Abuja, NELFUND described the publications as false, misleading, and aimed at creating panic and confusion among beneficiaries and the general public. According to the Fund, the reports included a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND as well as an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from The Nigerian Tribune. NELFUND clarified that no directive has been issued by either the Federal Government or the agency regarding the suspension of upkeep allowances for students benefiting from the loan scheme. The Fund further stated that the viral publications did not originate from NELFUND or any authorized government communication channel, stressing that the newspaper cover being circulated is not a genuine publication from The Nigerian Tribune. Reaffirming its commitment to Nigerian students, NELFUND noted that it remains dedicated to the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate of expanding access to higher education. The agency advised beneficiaries, stakeholders, and members of the public to disregard the fake publications and rely only on verified information released through NELFUND’s official communication channels and credible media platforms. NELFUND also urged Nigerians to avoid sharing unverified information capable of spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary anxiety among students and parents nationwide.