The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has debunked reports circulating on social media and other online platforms claiming 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 its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund described the publications as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to create panic, confusion, and distrust among students and the general public.

NELFUND specifically condemned a fabricated statement falsely attributed to the agency as well as an artificial intelligence-generated newspaper front page purportedly published by The Nigerian Tribune, noting that both were fake and did not originate from any authorized source.

The Fund stated that neither the Federal Government nor NELFUND had issued any directive suspending the payment of upkeep allowances under the student loan programme.

According to the agency, the reports being circulated are part of a misinformation campaign aimed at undermining public confidence in the student loan scheme and causing unnecessary anxiety among beneficiaries.

NELFUND emphasized that it remains fully committed to the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its statutory mandate.

The agency urged students, parents, stakeholders, and members of the public to disregard the fake publications and rely solely on verified information released through its official communication channels and reputable media organizations.

It also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information capable of spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary concern nationwide.

Reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to higher education, NELFUND said it would continue to support Nigerian students through sustainable education financing initiatives.

The Fund advised anyone seeking clarification or assistance to contact its official channels, including its email platform and verified social media handles.

NELFUND maintained that all approved student loan and upkeep disbursement processes remain operational and that beneficiaries should ignore reports suggesting otherwise.