NANS Rejects Exclusion from NELFUND Board, Demands Student Representation

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed its exclusion from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) board, demanding immediate inclusion of a student representative.

In a letter dated February 13, 2025, and addressed to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, and Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, NANS described the exclusion as “completely unacceptable.” The letter, titled “Final Demand for Student Representation in the Scheduled NELFUND Board,” was signed by NANS President, Lucky Emonefe.

NANS Condemns Exclusion

Emonefe criticized the absence of student representation in a board responsible for managing student loans, calling it an injustice to Nigerian students.

“We are writing to express our deep concern and outright discontent over the exclusion of students from the scheduled board meeting of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund,” Emonefe stated.

He argued that since students are the primary beneficiaries of the loan fund, they should have a say in its administration.

“As the primary stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of NELFUND, it is completely unacceptable that students are sidelined from deliberations that shape the administration and disbursement of student loans,” he added.

Threat to Disrupt Board Meeting

NANS has vowed to take action if their demand for representation is ignored. Emonefe warned that students would not merely request inclusion but would insist on it.

“We are demanding, not requesting, the immediate inclusion of a student representative in this board meeting. Failure to accommodate this legitimate and reasonable demand will result in the total shutdown of the meeting venue by Nigerian students,” he declared.

He further warned that NANS would mobilize students nationwide to disrupt the board meeting if their request was not granted.

Background on NELFUND and Student Loans Act

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established under the Student Loans Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024. The Act aims to improve access to education by covering tuition and essential expenses for students in need.

The NELFUND board comprises representatives from key ministries and agencies, including:

• The Federal Ministries of Finance and Education
• The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
• The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
• The National Universities Commission (NUC)
• The organized private sector
• Tertiary institution students (as mandated by the Act)

Students applying for the loan must be enrolled in an accredited institution, demonstrate financial need, and provide valid identification and guarantors. Loan repayment begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, with employers required to deduct 10% of the beneficiary’s salary for repayment. Unemployed graduates are not required to make payments until they secure a job.

With NANS pushing for student representation, tensions are rising over the management of the education loan fund. It remains to be seen how NELFUND will respond to the association’s demands.