The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has started paying June and July upkeep allowances to eligible students across Nigeria.
Each beneficiary receives ₦20,000 for each month. Consequently, the latest NELFUND upkeep allowance payment totals ₦40,000 for June and July.
Thousands of students now have access to the funds. The payment also follows the recent release of the May upkeep allowance.
Many beneficiaries confirmed the payments through bank alerts. Several students also shared their reactions on social media.
Students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education welcomed the development. For many, the funds will help cover essential daily expenses.
Transportation, feeding, study materials, and other academic needs remain major costs. Therefore, the latest student upkeep payment offers timely support.
Some beneficiaries praised President Bola Tinubu for introducing the student loan programme. They said the initiative has reduced financial pressure on their families.
NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr also received praise from students. Beneficiaries credited his leadership for releasing the outstanding payments.
The latest disbursement has raised hopes of more regular payments. Students want NELFUND to maintain a predictable schedule in the coming months.
However, some beneficiaries remain unhappy about earlier delays. Several students waited for weeks before receiving their upkeep allowances.
Those delays created difficulties for students who rely on the funds. Many struggled to pay for food, transport, and academic materials.
Other beneficiaries called for a more predictable payment system. They also asked NELFUND to communicate quickly whenever delays occur.
One student, Heis MusteeB, shared his concerns on X. He highlighted the financial pressure facing students who cannot work while studying.
According to him, students need regular upkeep support to manage daily expenses. He also urged NELFUND to make student welfare a priority.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reassured beneficiaries. The association said NELFUND will clear all outstanding payment backlogs.
NANS National President Akinteye Afeez confirmed that the June and July payments have started. He assured students that every eligible beneficiary would receive the funds.
NELFUND is processing the payments in batches, according to NANS. As a result, students who have not received their money should remain patient.
Afeez also pledged continued engagement with NELFUND and other stakeholders. NANS wants the student loan programme to operate more smoothly.
The latest NELFUND upkeep allowance disbursement marks another milestone for the student loan programme. It also provides much-needed support for students facing rising living costs.
Going forward, regular upkeep payments could help students plan their finances better. More predictable disbursements may also allow beneficiaries to focus on their education.
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