Closure of Benue University Following Student Protest over NELFUND Issues

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JoSTUM) in Makurdi has mandated students to vacate the campus following protests concerning claimed delays and inconsistencies in the distribution of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

An internal memo issued on March 23 and signed by Registrar John David announced a compulsory Easter break from March 23 to April 7 and instructed all students to leave their hostels by 6 p.m. on that Monday.

The university's closure occurred mere hours after students organized a demonstration on campus, obstructing the main entrance and seeking transparency regarding the management of NELFUND payments. The demonstrators displayed placards with messages like "No NELFUND, No Exams" and "Refund Our Money", while raising chants of solidarity.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity, several students expressed that payments meant for them were either not made or only partially processed despite having received approvals.

"We applied for this loan and got approval, but up till now, nothing has entered our accounts," remarked one student. "We were informed that the funds had already been sent to the school, so why are we not receiving them?"

Another student mentioned the lack of clarity and the frustrating nature of the situation. "NELFUND is a loan, not a gift. We are expected to repay it after school, so why isn't there transparency in its management? Some students are saying they received amounts lower than what was approved," they added.

Others accused the university administration of regularly halting academic activities whenever students express their concerns. "Each time we protest, they send us on break instead of addressing the issue. When we return, everything is forgotten," another student said. "This is a straightforward matter. Just pay students their funds, and let peace be restored."

The student union leadership responded to the protest, calling for calm within the student body. The president of NUBESS appealed for peaceful demonstrations and discouraged any destruction of property, assuring attendees that their grievances were being addressed.

However, the university reiterated that allegations of widespread non-payment were unfounded. The registrar stated that most qualified students had already received assistance, noting that only 76 students remained without due to incomplete registration.

"Registration means you have paid your fees and will receive a refund under NELFUND. If you did not pay, what could be refunded to you?" Mr. David explained.

He further clarified that the program operates under a reimbursement framework based on fees already paid by students, stating, "If you paid N56,000 or N63,000, that is what you get back. If you only paid N200, you cannot expect a full refund."

Mr. David also raised concerns about the identity of the protesters, suggesting that some may not be actual students. He cautioned that the unrest could disrupt academic pursuits, especially with examinations approaching.

Established under the Student Loan Act enacted in April 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to support their educational and living costs. Official statistics indicate that the initiative has processed over 1.69 million applications and allocated around N183.8 billion, comprising funds disbursed directly to educational institutions and student allowances.

Even with these figures, frustrations regarding transparency and the timing of disbursements continue to persist within various institutions.

At JoSTUM, this recent incident has intensified worries among students concerning the effect of ongoing closures on their academic schedule. "We are already getting ready for exams; yet, we’re being told to leave without a solution to our problems," remarked another concerned student. "When we come back, the same situation will still exist."

As of the time this report was prepared, there were no indications from university officials regarding any plans to convene discussions with student representatives to address the ongoing issues during the break.