The Federal Government has established a high-level committee to streamline and standardize fee payment processes across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to improve financial operations between universities and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the development on Wednesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with university Vice-Chancellors and NELFUND management. He said the new measure is designed to enhance the efficiency and timeliness of fund disbursement and student notification systems.
While affirming that universities have been receiving funds on schedule, Alausa emphasized the need to improve the existing processes for better service delivery. He also clarified that there is no fraud within NELFUND, dismissing earlier concerns raised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“The current system is functional, but we are working to improve it,” he said. “The goal is to better serve NELFUND and our citizens while aligning with the administration’s broader agenda.”
A major outcome of the meeting was the formation of a committee comprising representatives from NELFUND, the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and key university officials. The committee’s main responsibility is to standardize the nomenclature used for student fees and charges across universities.
Alausa explained that while fee amounts may still vary by institution, all universities will be required to use a uniform terminology to ensure clarity and transparency. The committee will also set and publish standard timelines for NELFUND disbursements and university notifications to students.
Addressing concerns over discrepancies between student fees and NELFUND disbursements, Alausa attributed them to differences in institutional service charges. The committee, he said, will develop a clear framework that outlines fee components to avoid confusion and ensure accurate funding.
“Universities will be required to disclose all service charges upfront to prevent misunderstandings about refunded amounts,” he noted.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to a transparent, student-centered approach in managing educational funding.
Elijah Adeyemi
