EKSU Refutes Claims of Delaying NELFUND Refunds

Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has denied allegations that it is withholding tuition fee refunds meant for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), insisting that the refund exercise is currently in progress.

The university said students whose tuition fees were later settled by NELFUND after they had already made payments are being refunded in batches in line with its administrative procedures.

In a statement released through the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, the institution explained that reports suggesting it had refused to refund eligible students were inaccurate. It maintained that it remains committed to ensuring that every qualified beneficiary receives the appropriate refund.

According to the university, the few cases yet to be processed are largely due to discrepancies in students' NELFUND records, payment information, or bank account details, which require proper verification before refunds can be completed.

To address the outstanding cases, EKSU urged affected students to visit the institution's NELFUND Desk Office or the Bursary Department to verify their records and update any incorrect account details that may be delaying payment.

The university's response follows a statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which recently named EKSU among institutions alleged to have received NELFUND tuition payments without refunding students who had earlier paid their fees.

Reacting to the allegation, EKSU described the claim as misleading, reiterating that the refund exercise has not been abandoned but is being implemented in stages to ensure accuracy and accountability throughout the process.

The management further assured students of its commitment to transparency and due process in the administration of the NELFUND scheme. It also commended the Federal Government for introducing the student loan initiative, describing it as a major step toward improving access to tertiary education and reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

The university encouraged all affected students to cooperate with the verification process, assuring them that legitimate refunds would continue to be processed until every eligible beneficiary has been paid.