The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has condemned what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions over the implementation of the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme.

In a public notice issued on Monday, NELFUND expressed concern over reports that some institutions are delaying or refusing to refund students whose tuition fees had already been paid before the Fund disbursed payments on their behalf.

The agency also decried arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges, warning that such actions undermine the objectives of the student loan initiative introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to NELFUND, the Student Loan Scheme was established to eliminate financial barriers to higher education and ease the burden on Nigerian students and their families, not to create additional financial hardship.

The Fund disclosed that it is already engaging the affected institutions and relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that eligible students receive the refunds due to them and that tuition and other institutional charges remain fair, transparent and consistent with the goals of the scheme.

“NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” the statement said.

The agency reiterated its resolve to work with stakeholders across the education sector to ensure that the Student Loan Scheme delivers its intended benefits and promotes equitable access to tertiary education for all eligible Nigerian students.

The statement was signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.