NELFUND debunks fake upkeep suspension notice

NELFUND has officially denied claims circulating on social media that upkeep allowances under the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session have been suspended. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund stated that the document, which purported to come from its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, was entirely fabricated and should be ignored. According to reports from local news outlets, the false claim was dated July 10 and appeared to warn recipients that funds allocated for May, June and later months had not yet been released, suggesting a temporary suspension of payments. In response, Oluwatuyi clarified that neither the federal government nor NELFUND had sanctioned or communicated such a suspension. She emphasized that all disbursements related to student loans and upkeep allowances were proceeding normally in alignment with the Fund's responsibility to assist eligible students attending public tertiary institutions across the country. Oluwatuyi warned that the spread of such misinformation could undermine public confidence and urged stakeholders to consult only verified sources for accurate information regarding the student loan program. The misleading document allegedly claimed that the suspension was temporary and promised payment once outstanding allocations were processed. However, Oluwatuyi stressed that these assertions were unfounded and part of an effort to mislead. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content and fabricated publications designed to distort public perception and erode trust in institutional processes. In light of this, she called on students, their families, educational institutions, and the broader public to verify any information concerning the student loan scheme through NELFUND’s official communication channels before disseminating it widely. Oluwatuyi reiterated NELFUND’s dedication to maintaining transparency and ensuring that all approved tuition and upkeep disbursements are made according to established protocols. She assured beneficiaries that they would continue to receive the necessary financial support without interruption. The Fund has taken steps to monitor and address the circulation of the false document, urging individuals who encountered it to report it immediately to prevent further dissemination. The incident underscores the challenges faced by public institutions in combating misinformation, particularly in an era where digital platforms facilitate rapid and widespread sharing of unverified content. While the exact origin of the fraudulent document remains unclear, authorities are investigating whether it was generated using artificial intelligence or other means to deceive the public. Such incidents highlight the need for greater public awareness and education on how to identify and reject false information, especially regarding critical services like student financial aid. Moving forward, NELFUND plans to enhance its efforts to communicate directly with beneficiaries through its official channels, including its website and social media platforms. It will also collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to combat the proliferation of fake documents and ensure that accurate information reaches the intended audience. Beneficiaries are encouraged to remain vigilant and contact NELFUND directly if they have concerns about their payments or encounter suspicious communications. As the academic year progresses, continued monitoring and proactive outreach will be essential to maintain the integrity of the student loan program and protect the interests of those relying on it.