Ekiti State University has responded to growing concerns over delayed tuition refunds. The institution says it has not withheld NELFUND refunds and that payments are being processed in phases.
ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE — Ekiti State University (EKSU) has denied allegations that it withheld tuition refunds meant for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). According to the university, the refund process is ongoing in batches, and eligible students will receive their payments as verification and processing continue.
In a statement issued by the institution, EKSU explained that the phased refund process became necessary to ensure that payments are made accurately to verified beneficiaries. The university said it remains committed to transparency and urged students to remain patient while the exercise continues.
The institution also dismissed claims circulating on social media that it had deliberately delayed or withheld the refunds. According to the statement, the university has been working with relevant authorities to reconcile payment records and complete the refund process without errors. It assured affected students that those who meet the eligibility requirements would receive their refunds in due course.
The NELFUND programme was introduced by the Federal Government to expand access to higher education by providing financial support to eligible students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. In cases where tuition fees had already been paid before the loan disbursement, institutions are expected to refund eligible students after receiving the funds, subject to verification and administrative procedures.
The development means students awaiting refunds may continue to receive payments as the university completes the exercise in phases. EKSU’s clarification is expected to reassure beneficiaries while attention shifts to the completion of the refund process and continued collaboration between the university and NELFUND to resolve outstanding cases.
