NANS issues 48-hour ultimatum to all tertiary institutions.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, demanding the submission of their students’ data to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
NANS highlighted that the failure of some institutions to provide the necessary data is preventing students from applying for loans and is hindering NELFUND from processing these applications.
On Monday, NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, announced the ultimatum, emphasizing its importance in light of the July 12 deadline set by NELFUND for institutions to upload their students’ data onto its portal.
Emonefe stated, “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is appalled by the update from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stating that many higher institutions have failed to upload their students’ data on the board’s portal. This comes in light of the deadline of July 12, 2024, issued by the management of NELFUND for the submission of students’ data.”
He further explained that NANS is deeply concerned about the lack of urgency shown by some institutions in submitting students’ data. He stressed that NANS would continue to monitor the activities of these institutions to ensure complete compliance with NELFUND’s requirements.
“NANS frowns at this development as it shows a lack of commitment and urgency on the part of the remaining state higher institutions in Nigeria. NELFUND was established to provide interest-free loans to students in need, and it is disheartening to see that some institutions are not taking advantage of this limited opportunity for their students.
“We call on the management of these institutions to prioritise the uploading of their students’ data on the loan board portal before the deadline. Education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves access to financial support to further their studies.”
He added, “NANS will continue to monitor the situation closely and call on the remaining institutions to immediately ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from this loan scheme.
“We will not stand by and allow any student to be denied access to education due to administrative negligence. Failure to make this provision available to the NELFUND portal within the next 48 hours will leave us with the only option of rolling out our action plans against the erring institutions.”
The ultimatum from NANS stresses the critical nature of the issue, highlighting the association’s commitment to ensuring that all students have the necessary support to pursue their education. The interest-free loans provided by NELFUND represent a vital resource for many students, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and focus on their studies.
The nonchalance exhibited by some institutions is not only disappointing but also detrimental to the students who depend on these loans to continue their education. By failing to submit the required data, these institutions are effectively denying their students the opportunity to access much-needed financial assistance.
NANS’ firm stance on this issue reflects its dedication to advocating for students’ rights and ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all. The association’s ongoing efforts to monitor compliance and hold institutions accountable are crucial steps in safeguarding the interests of students across the country.
