Nasarawa University Students Demand Refund Of Fees Paid Before NELFUND Disbursement, Say ‘We’ve Waited For Months | Sahara Reporters

Some affected students who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday, explained that they were initially instructed to clear their school fees due to delays from NELFUND in crediting the institution’s account.

Students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) in Nasarawa have raised concerns over the prolonged delay in the refund of school fees paid out of pocket following the late disbursement of funds by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Some affected students who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday, explained that they were initially instructed to clear their school fees due to delays from NELFUND in crediting the institution’s account.

“Many students, left with no other option, sourced funds from relatives, personal savings, and in some cases, borrowed money to meet the deadline and remain enrolled,” one of the students stated.

“However, shortly after the students settled their fees, NELFUND reportedly credited the university’s account. Months have since passed, yet the school has failed to refund the students their money.”

The affected students accused the university’s bursary department of sluggishness and insensitivity, stating that students who visit the office to inquire about their refunds are met with laughter and daily excuses from the officer in charge.

“It has reached the extent that students will go to the bursary office and the person in charge will even be laughing and giving excuses daily,” another student stated.

The students are now calling on relevant authorities to intervene, warning that if the situation is left unchecked, corruption may take root and the management could sweep the matter under the carpet.

“We urge the media to propagate this matter and help advocate for the expedited processing of these refunds. If not, corruption will take over and the management will sweep the matter under the carpet,” the students appealed.

The students emphasized that they deserve immediate attention, noting that the delay could jeopardize future assistance with payments from the school management.

They wondered why it is taking the university several months to refund the payment despite having been paid, wondering if their money has not been tampered with by the university management.

Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach the school’s bursary department for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages seeking clarification were neither answered nor responded to.