Nigeria's NELFUND probes 34 tertiary institutions over double tuition refunds

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened an investigation into roughly 34 tertiary institutions accused of failing to refund students who paid tuition twice after the federal student‑loan scheme paid the same fees directly to the schools. Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr said a five‑person team that includes Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives and internal auditors has been dispatched to review the allegations. The probe follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to start the loan programme mid‑session, which led many students to pay tuition before loan approval, resulting in duplicate payments.

NELFUND noted that while some schools have promptly returned the excess funds, others have not, and the agency does not have legal power to compel refunds or prosecute officials. Affected students have also lodged complaints with the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The agency is exploring a tokenised payment system that would allow students to authorise tuition payments directly to institutions, aiming to prevent future double‑payment issues.