Federal Government Student Loan Scheme beneficiaries nationwide have expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in receiving their August monthly stipend.
In separate interviews, several students voiced their
disappointment with the payment delay.
In addition to institutional loans paid directly to
institutions, students can also apply for upkeep loans.
In July, a total of 20,371 students from six tertiary
institutions received N20,000 each as stipends.
The following institutions are reported to have received the
funds:
- Bayero University, Kano State
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
- University of Ilorin, Kwara State
- University of Benin, Edo State
- University of Ibadan, Oyo State
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State
A BUK student, who spoke to our correspondent on the
condition of anonymity, said, “We haven’t received the August stipend. I am
very confused. Please help us speak to them. The economy is getting too
difficult. In fact, we are even trying to plead with them to please help us
increase the stipend as the N20,000 cannot even get us anywhere.”
Another student from the University of Ibadan, who also
spoke anonymously, said, “To be very honest, I was expecting it at month end
but till now we have not got any feedback from them as to what the problem is.”
A student of the University of Benin, also speaking, said,
“Honestly, it is getting too late. NELFUND needs to do something. Our school
fees have been paid but at this point, the upkeep is much more important.
Please help us reach out to them.”
Regarding the recent developments, NELFUND’s Corporate
Communications Director, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, shared that the students can expect
to receive the N20,000 stipend within this week.
“It’s been approved. They should get it this week,”
Oluwatuyi said.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students has
submitted a request to the Federal Government for an increase in the monthly
stipend from N20,000 to N40,000.