The House of Representatives has opened an investigation into how the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is being disbursed to students in the South East region.
This development was announced by Paul Sunday Nnamchi, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, Banking and Other Ancillary Institutions, Anti-Corruption, and University Education. The disclosure came during the South East Zonal Investigative Hearing held at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
According to Nnamchi, the committee’s responsibility is to thoroughly examine the loan disbursement process and address reported irregularities in beneficiary institutions. He emphasized that the probe will also look into the operational framework of the loan scheme, ensuring that it aligns with legal, ethical, and financial standards.
“The aim is not just to review the process but to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in how these loans are managed for the benefit of Nigerian students,” he said.
Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, noted that the committee will recommend actionable solutions to strengthen the system and build trust among students, parents, and institutions.
As of August 6, 2025, NELFund has disbursed ₦86.3 billion in loans to 366,247 students across federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Out of this, ₦47.6 billion went towards tuition fees while ₦38.7 billion was disbursed as upkeep allowances. A total of 218 tertiary institutions have benefited from the initiative so far.
The chairman commended both NELFund and Nigerian students for embracing this effort under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a transformative step in making higher education accessible and affordable.
