The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has raised concerns over unethical practices uncovered in the disbursement of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme by some tertiary institutions.
According to the latest report by the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO), of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), schools and banks are conspiring to short-change the students.
Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed the findings after a weekend meeting with the Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Mr. Paul Odenyi, initial reports indicated that some university officials have been withholding vital information about loan disbursements, prompting swift action from NELFUND.
The NOA’s feedback shows how specific institutions have, in connivance with some banks, deliberately delayed payments to successful student applicants for personal financial benefit.
Some universities fail to acknowledge the NELFUND’s disbursements to the students. Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr confirmed that some institutions are failing to inform students about loan disbursements made in their name while still requiring them to pay tuition fees.
He stated, “Recent findings by NELFUND have shown that some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments in their financial records, leading to unnecessary confusion.
“Withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but also a breach of the principles on which NELFUND was founded. We are prepared to take legal action against any institution engaged in such deceptive practices.”
In response, Mallam Issa-Onilu has issued a strong warning to these institutions and collaborating banks to cease such activities.
NOA has directed its state directorates to provide further feedback from students across the country to ensure that the Federal Government takes appropriate actions against erring schools and banks.