The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that the Federal Government has suspended the payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the student loan scheme.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund described the publications as fabricated and intended to create panic, confusion, and distrust among students and the general public.
According to NELFUND, no directive has been issued by either the Federal Government or the agency concerning the suspension of upkeep allowance payments.
“The reports currently in circulation, including a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND and an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from The Nigerian Tribune, are entirely fake and misleading,” the statement said.
The Fund stressed that the viral newspaper cover being shared online was not an authentic publication of the Nigerian Tribune and warned the public against relying on unverified information.
NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate to expand access to higher education financing.
The agency urged beneficiaries, stakeholders, parents, and members of the public to disregard the fake reports and rely solely on verified information released through its official communication channels and credible media platforms.
It also cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified content capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among students and their families.
“The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement added.
For inquiries and further clarification, NELFUND advised the public to contact the agency through its official email address and verified social media platforms.
