By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)) has debunked viral reports circulating across social media platforms alleging that the Federal Government has suspended the payment of student loans and upkeep allowances under the national student loan scheme.
In a statement the Fund said it had become aware of fabricated publications being widely shared online, including a fake press statement falsely attributed to the agency and an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly linked to The Nigerian Tribune.
NELFUND stressed that both materials are entirely fictitious and did not originate from any official source.
The agency emphasised that at no time did it, nor any arm of the Federal Government, issue a directive suspending the payment of upkeep allowances or student loan disbursements.
It added that the ongoing circulation of such claims was aimed at creating unnecessary panic among students and beneficiaries of the scheme.
According to the statement, all approved loans and upkeep payments remain active and are being processed in line with established guidelines.
NELFUND reaffirmed that there has been no disruption, suspension, or policy reversal regarding the implementation of the student loan programme.
The fund further cautioned that the fake materials being circulated do not originate from any verified government communication channel or authorised institutional platform.
It warned that the alleged newspaper front page being shared online is not an authentic publication of The Nigerian Tribune and should be disregarded in its entirety.
Reiterating its commitment to its mandate, NELFUND stated that it remains focused on ensuring transparent, efficient, and uninterrupted disbursement of student loans and upkeep support to eligible Nigerian students.
It emphasised that the initiative remains a key pillar in expanding access to higher education and easing financial burdens on students nationwide.
The agency also urged students, parents, stakeholders, and the general public to rely strictly on official communication channels for accurate information, warning against the dangers of spreading unverified content capable of triggering confusion and public anxiety.
NELFUND further cautioned purveyors of misinformation to desist from activities that could undermine public confidence in government social intervention programmes, stressing that such actions may have broader implications for trust in national institutions.
It reiterated its commitment to sustaining education financing reforms aimed at promoting equitable access to tertiary education and strengthening human capital development across the country.
