The management of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, has refuted reports alleging that the institution has failed to refund tuition fees paid by beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund who had earlier paid their fees before the loan disbursement.
EKSU said in a statement issued by Gbenga Oluwajana on behalf of the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, that it “has been diligently refunding eligible students whose tuition fees were subsequently paid by NELFUND.”
Oluwajana stated, “The university, therefore, refutes claims suggesting that it has withheld refunds due to eligible students,” stressing that the institution would never engage in any act capable of undermining or frustrating the successful implementation of the NELFUND programme.
The President, National Association of Nigerian Students, Babatunde Akinteye, had, in a statement released on Wednesday, listed EKSU among institutions that had received tuition payments from NELFUND on behalf of qualified students but had yet to reimburse those who had settled their fees before the loan disbursement.
Oluwajana, in the EKSU statement, said, “The refund process is ongoing and it is being carried out in batches in line with established administrative procedures.
“The few outstanding cases involve students with discrepancies or issues relating to their NELFUND dashboard, payment records, or account details.
“Such affected students have been advised to visit the NELFUND Desk Office or the university’s Bursary Department for the necessary verification and confirmation of bank details and resolution to facilitate the processing of their refunds.”
While EKSU reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process in the administration of the NELFUND scheme, it appreciated the Federal Government “for the laudable initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education through financial support for students.”
