Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving their August monthly stipend. Several students from various institutions have voiced their concerns, highlighting the growing difficulty in managing their finances amidst the delay.
Details of the Delay
Students from Bayero University, Kano; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma; University of Ilorin; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; and University of Maiduguri were disbursed N20,000 each for July. However, the expected stipend for August has yet to be received.
A student from Bayero University, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “We haven’t received the August stipend. I am very confused. The economy is getting too difficult. We are even pleading for an increase in the stipend as the N20,000 cannot cover our needs.”
Another student from the University of Ibadan added, “I was expecting it at the end of the month, but there has been no feedback regarding the delay.”
A University of Benin student echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of timely payments for their upkeep, despite the school fees being paid.
Response from NELFUND
Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Corporate Communications at NELFUND, assured that the stipend payments have been approved and are expected to be disbursed within the week.
Call for Increased Stipend
In light of the delays and the rising cost of living, the National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to increase the monthly stipend from N20,000 to N40,000, stressing that the current amount is insufficient to meet students’ needs.
News Editor