In the midst of growing tension between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured students and stakeholders that its operations will not be affected by the ongoing industrial action declared by the lecturers’ union.
The assurance came as many students and parents expressed concern that the ongoing two-week warning strike by ASUU might disrupt the activities of key educational institutions and agencies, particularly those related to student loans and financial aid.
NELFUND Reassures Stakeholders of Uninterrupted Service
Speaking to journalists, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, stated firmly that the Fund remains fully operational and will continue to process student loan applications despite the strike action in universities across the country.
Sawyerr emphasized that NELFUND’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian students have access to quality education through affordable financing remains unwavering. According to him, the Fund is closely monitoring the situation between ASUU and the Federal Government, but operations will continue seamlessly.
He noted that the student loan application portal remains open, allowing more eligible students to apply, while higher institutions yet to complete their verification processes have been given additional time to finalize them.
“The NELFUND platform is designed to operate without interruption, even in challenging circumstances,” Sawyerr explained. “We are confident that our systems and partnerships will ensure that Nigerian students continue to benefit from this initiative regardless of the ongoing industrial action.”
ASUU Strike and Its Broader Implications
ASUU had declared a two-week warning strike over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meet certain long-standing demands related to salary arrears, withheld allowances, and university autonomy. The move, which has already disrupted academic activities nationwide, raised fears of another prolonged academic shutdown similar to previous strikes.
In response, the Federal Government has insisted on enforcing its “No Work, No Pay” directive, stressing that lecturers who refuse to work will not receive salaries for the duration of the strike. However, ASUU maintains that the action is necessary to compel the government to honor past agreements and improve the condition of service for lecturers.
Despite this tense atmosphere, NELFUND insists that its operations—particularly those related to student loan disbursement and data verification—will not be hindered.
FG’s Position and NELFUND’s Collaboration
NELFUND has maintained close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other government bodies to ensure the continued implementation of the student loan scheme. The Fund’s leadership reiterated that while universities play a role in the verification process, the current structure allows most operations to proceed digitally, minimizing disruption from external factors like strikes.
Sawyerr expressed optimism that the ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and ASUU, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will yield positive results soon. He also reaffirmed NELFUND’s readiness to adapt its processes if the situation escalates.
“We remain in close contact with the Ministry of Education to ensure that students’ academic and financial needs are met,” he said. “Our mission is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to higher education because of financial constraints.”
Why the Assurance Matters to Students
For thousands of Nigerian students, NELFUND’s reassurance comes as a major relief. The recent student loan initiative was launched to bridge the financial gap many undergraduates face in accessing education. However, with universities partially shutting down due to the ASUU strike, some students had feared the process would stall.
The Fund’s confirmation that loan applications and approvals would continue means that many students—especially those from low-income backgrounds—can still secure the financial aid needed to support their education once academic activities resume fully.
Education analysts have praised NELFUND’s proactive communication, noting that such clarity helps to maintain public trust and confidence in the newly launched student loan system.
Balancing Hope with Reality
While NELFUND’s assurances are encouraging, education experts warn that extended strikes could still pose indirect challenges, especially regarding institutional data verification and disbursement coordination. Since most universities handle student documentation and confirmation processes, their inactivity could delay certain administrative steps, even if NELFUND remains operational.
Still, Sawyerr reiterated that the Fund has put contingency measures in place to mitigate such risks. These include maintaining alternative communication channels with institutions and leveraging technology to process applications remotely.
The Bigger Picture: Education Reform and Financial Accessibility
The introduction of NELFUND was one of the Federal Government’s major reforms aimed at promoting inclusive education. The program is designed to make higher education accessible to every Nigerian student, irrespective of socioeconomic background, by providing interest-free loans that can be repaid after graduation.
Since its launch, the Fund has continued to expand its reach, with several universities and polytechnics now integrated into the system. By assuring stakeholders that operations will remain uninterrupted during the ASUU strike, NELFUND is reaffirming its role as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s educational financing framework.
