The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has opened investigations into 34 tertiary institutions following complaints from students about unpaid tuition refunds.

Akintunde Sawyerr, the agency’s Managing Director, confirmed the probe is being done with anti-corruption bodies, student groups, and auditors.

The problem came from the scheme’s rushed launch mid-session. Many students had already paid their fees before NELFUND sent the same amount to their schools, leaving institutions with double payments that they were supposed to return.

For struggling students, these refunds are critical. Many borrowed from family to pay fees and now need the money back to settle those debts. Some schools have processed refunds quickly, but others have delayed or refused outright.

Sawyerr admitted NELFUND cannot arrest or prosecute non-compliant schools. Frustrated students have petitioned the EFCC and ICPC, and joint teams have been sent to at least one institution for on-the-ground investigations.

To avoid future issues, NELFUND is switching to a token-based payment system that lets students authorise fees directly from their phones. The agency also vowed not to fund unjustified tuition hikes. For now, affected students must wait as the probes continue.

Photo credit: The Cable