The National Association of Nigerian Students, North-Central Axis, has engaged the management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, over complaints by students concerning delays in the repayment of NELFUND refunds and alleged deductions from beneficiaries' payments. According to the Zonal Coordinator of NANS Zone C, Abiola Babatunde, the intervention followed a petition by affected students. The students reportedly complained that they had yet to receive their refunds despite the passage of time.
The students also raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the refund process, stressing that the development could not be allowed to persist. Babatunde said that students deserve full transparency and prompt payment of funds meant for them. In response, the university management assured the students' body that the institution had commenced the disbursement of NELFUND refunds to beneficiaries. The Registrar, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, also assured the NANS delegation that the management was working to ensure that all eligible students received their refunds without further delay.
During the engagement, the university management agreed to address the concerns raised over the alleged deductions from some beneficiaries' payments. According to Babatunde, some beneficiaries allegedly had between N12,000 and N22,500 deducted from their payments. The management's commitment to resolving the issue was welcomed by NANS Zone C, which vowed to continue monitoring the process until all eligible students received their refunds.
NANS Zone C would continue to monitor the process until all eligible students received their refunds, Babatunde said. He added that funds provided through NELFUND belong to students and must be disbursed transparently, promptly, and without unjustifiable deductions or administrative bottlenecks. The association urged the university management to ensure that the refund process was concluded promptly and that any deductions found to be unjustified were addressed.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, North-Central Axis, has taken steps to ensure accountability in the implementation of the NELFUND scheme. Babatunde said that the association would continue to engage tertiary institutions across the North-Central region to ensure that students received the funds meant for them. The welfare and financial rights of Nigerian students remain non-negotiable, he stressed.
The engagement between NANS Zone C and the Federal University of Lafia management was a result of a petition by affected students. The students had complained about the delayed refunds and alleged deductions, prompting the association to intervene. The university management's commitment to resolving the issue has been welcomed by the students' body.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, North-Central Axis, has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and financial rights of Nigerian students. The association will continue to engage institutions to ensure that students receive the funds meant for them.
Key points
- NANS, North-Central Axis, engages Nasarawa varsity management over delayed NELFUND refunds and alleged deductions.
- University management assures of prompt disbursement of refunds to eligible students.
- NANS to continue monitoring the refund process to ensure transparency and accountability.
