Students Await August Payment
Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme have voiced their frustration over the delay in receiving their August stipends. Many students relying on the monthly payment for upkeep have expressed disappointment due to the lack of disbursed funds. Interviews conducted across multiple tertiary institutions revealed that the lack of payment is causing financial strain.
July Payments Disbursed, August Delayed
In July, 20,371 students from six institutions, including Bayero University, University of Ilorin, and University of Maiduguri, each received a stipend of N20,000. The payment delay for August has left many students in uncertainty. According to reports, students who applied for the upkeep loan, separate from institutional loans, are yet to receive their allowances.
Students Appeal for Assistance
Speaking anonymously, a student from Bayero University shared their concerns: “We haven’t received the August stipend. The economy has become difficult, and students are asking the government to raise the N20,000 allowance. Many feel the current amount no longer meets their basic needs. Students from the University of Ibadan have voiced similar concerns. Students at the University of Benin also urged the government to act quickly. They hope the government addresses the issue and increases the allowance.
NELFUND Responds to Concerns
Responding to the students’ concerns, NELFUND’s Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, assured that the N20,000 stipends have been approved and will be disbursed soon. He stated, “The funds are cleared, and students should expect the payment this week.”
NANS Calls for Increased Stipends
Amid the delay, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to increase the monthly stipend from N20,000 to N40,000. According to the association, the current amount is insufficient, considering the rising cost of living and inflation affecting students nationwide.
Government Urged to Act Swiftly
As pressure mounts from students and NANS, calls grow for the government to resolve the delays and review the stipend amount to better align with the current economic climate. As the new academic year progresses, students hope for more efficient handling of payments to prevent further disruptions to their studies.
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