AFUED Students: Important Update on NELFUND Disbursement and Tuition Refunds

The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AFUED) Students' Union Government (SUG) has issued an important notice to students who applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) during the 2023/2024 academic session.

NELFUND Disbursement Update

According to the SUG announcement, 506 AFUED students who registered for NELFUND during the 2023/2024 academic session have successfully received their loan disbursements.

This is a significant milestone for student loan implementation at the university and demonstrates the government's commitment to making higher education more affordable for Nigerian students.

Tuition Refund Process in Progress

Many students paid their tuition fees before receiving their NELFUND disbursement. The university management is now working to refund these payments.

What You Need to Know:

• The university is developing procedures to refund tuition fees to students who paid before NELFUND disbursement
• Refunds will be made directly to students' personal bank accounts
• The process is being handled "with due diligence to ensure accuracy and accountability"
• The SUG is actively involved and monitoring the refund process

What Students Should Do

1. Remain Calm and Patient

The SUG emphasizes that students should not panic. The refund process is underway and will be completed systematically.

2. No Immediate Action Required

Students do not need to submit additional applications or documents at this time. The university has the necessary information to process refunds.

3. Allow the Process to Complete

The university is working methodically to ensure all refunds are accurate. This careful approach prevents errors that could complicate matters later.

4. Trust the Follow-Up

The Students' Union Government confirms it is "fully involved and will continue to follow up until every eligible student is duly attended to."

Understanding NELFUND

For students unfamiliar with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund:

What is NELFUND?

NELFUND is a federal government initiative that provides interest-free loans to Nigerian students to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other educational expenses.

Key Features:

• Interest-Free: No interest charged on the loan amount
• Repayment: Begins two years after NYSC or graduation
• Automatic Deduction: Repayment through 10% salary deduction for employed graduates
• No Collateral: Students don't need guarantors or property collateral

For Future NELFUND Applicants

If you haven't applied for NELFUND yet, consider these tips based on AFUED's experience:

1. Apply Early

Start your NELFUND application as soon as registration opens to ensure disbursement before tuition payment deadlines.

2. Keep Documentation

Maintain copies of all NELFUND application confirmations and correspondence.

3. Coordinate with Your Institution

Inform your school's financial office about your NELFUND application status to avoid payment complications.

4. Monitor Your Application

Regularly check your NELFUND portal for updates on your application status and disbursement timeline.

Questions About Your Refund?

While the SUG announcement indicates students should wait for the process to complete, if you have specific concerns about your situation, you can:

• Contact the AFUED Students' Union Government
• Visit the university's financial office during business hours
• Ensure your bank account details on file with the university are current and correct

Timeline

The announcement does not specify an exact completion date for refunds. The university is prioritizing accuracy over speed to ensure no student's refund is miscalculated or sent to the wrong account.

Pro Tip: Verify that your bank account details registered with the university are correct and active. Refunds will fail if sent to closed or incorrect accounts.

Broader Impact

The successful disbursement to 506 AFUED students demonstrates that NELFUND is working. This should encourage more students across Nigeria to apply for the loan scheme, reducing the financial burden of higher education on families.

Source: Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Students' Union Government official notice.