For students across Nigerian universities, meeting everyday costs has become increasingly difficult. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided relief through its monthly upkeep allowance. Beneficiaries like Racheal, a Mass Communication student, say the allowance has greatly improved their student life by providing financial assistance for basic needs and helping them focus on their education.
NELFUND's student loan program provides financial support to eligible students, with the upkeep component paid directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts. According to NELFUND's official website, students who qualify for upkeep must apply for both the institutional loan and the upkeep component. The program has grown considerably since its introduction, with ₦206.29 billion disbursed to 1,164,222 beneficiaries as of March 9, 2026.
By July 3, the figures had risen further, with ₦303.91 billion disbursed to 1.64 million students, including ₦113.85 billion in upkeep allowances and ₦190.06 billion in institutional fees. Despite the growing figures, students have complained about delays in receiving their ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance. Some beneficiaries reported receiving their May allowance only in July, while others were still awaiting their May and June payments as of July 22.
The delays have generated concern among student organizations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which threatened to occupy NELFUND's headquarters over alleged delays in June. NANS said some beneficiaries had gone for two months without receiving the allowance. For students who rely on the money for basic expenses, such delays can be particularly difficult and frustrating.
Beneficiaries say the allowance remains useful when it arrives, but the inconsistency makes it difficult to plan financially. A student who requested anonymity described the situation as frustrating, saying the uncertainty makes it difficult to plan for things that require money. Despite the concerns, beneficiaries like Gabriel, a 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student, encourage eligible students to apply, saying it can reduce the financial burden on parents.
However, Gabriel believes there is room for improvement and would like to see an increase in the monthly stipend. The adequacy of the allowance is another challenge facing beneficiaries, as ₦20,000 must be divided among several needs, including transportation, food, data subscriptions, academic materials, and personal expenses. Adede, a law student, said the allowance has made student life easier, allowing him to use the money for expenses outside his usual parental support.
NELFUND has continued to make payments to clear outstanding arrears, with the fund beginning to pay June and July upkeep allowances in July 2026. The situation presents a mixed picture of a scheme providing meaningful financial assistance while still facing challenges with the regularity of payments. For students in universities across Nigeria, the upkeep allowance remains a welcome intervention, but timely payments, clear communication about delays, and a review of the amount provided could make the intervention more effective.
Key points
- Delays in NELFUND upkeep allowances cause frustration among beneficiaries.
- NELFUND disbursed ₦303.91 billion to 1.64 million students as of July 3.
- Beneficiaries call for an increase in the monthly stipend and timely payments.
