Fresh NELFUND employees face 18-month wait despite appointment

In the latest letter, they described the prolonged uncertainty as increasingly traumatic and appealed for a meeting with the minister to present their concerns directly and seek his intervention in accelerating the resumption process.

They maintained that they remained willing to begin work immediately and contribute meaningfully to the agency’s operations.

The affected workers are now urging NELFUND, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to clarify their employment status and provide a definite timeline for their assumption of duty.

NELFUND was established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act to provide interest-free loans for eligible students in public tertiary institutions. Since commencing operations in 2024, the agency has disbursed billions of naira to beneficiaries nationwide. The 2025 recruitment exercise was intended to strengthen its workforce as demand for the student loan programme continued to expand.

Reps promise action

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarship and Higher Education Financing, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, confirmed that lawmakers were already engaging both the affected recruits and NELFUND management to resolve the matter.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Ehindero said he had held separate meetings with the employees and officials of the agency.

According to him, NELFUND embarked on the recruitment with plans for rapid expansion but had been unable to proceed because of operational and financial constraints.

While acknowledging the agency’s explanation, the lawmaker maintained that it was unacceptable to recruit workers without allowing them to assume their responsibilities.

Ehindero, however, expressed optimism that the situation would improve once NELFUND begins receiving the 15 per cent Development Levy provided for under Section 59 of the Tax Administration Act, which is expected to become accessible from January 2027.

He pledged to intervene further in the matter and expressed confidence that improved funding would strengthen the agency’s capacity to fulfil its mandate and expand its operations for the benefit of Nigerian students.

Credit: THE PUNCH.