Students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, have raised concerns over an alleged directive compelling them to sign an undertaking after refusing to pay tuition fees linked to the Federal Government’s NELFUND scheme.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced to ease the financial burden on students by providing access to loans for tuition payments. However, implementation challenges have sparked mixed reactions across institutions.

Affected students claim the university administration is mandating those who declined or are unable to access the NELFUND facility to sign an undertaking as a condition for continuing their academic activities.

According to reports circulating among students, the undertaking allegedly binds them to certain obligations regarding fee payments, raising fears about possible sanctions or academic restrictions.

Some students described the move as coercive, insisting that financial constraints and delays in accessing the loan scheme should not lead to punitive measures.

A student, who spoke anonymously, said, “We are being asked to sign documents we barely understand. Many of us have genuine difficulties accessing the loan.”
Another added, “This is putting unnecessary pressure on students who are already struggling.”

As of press time, the university management had not issued an official statement on the matter. Stakeholders are calling for clarity and a more flexible approach to ensure students are not unfairly disadvantaged.

By Benue Info-pedia