The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Simon Malang Kawe, and other senior university officials are facing scrutiny over allegations of diverting multibillion-naira loans intended for indigent students under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
An investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has revealed that hundreds of students, approved for NELFUND support, were forced to find alternative ways to pay their tuition because the university allegedly withheld funds already disbursed by the federal scheme.
Sources said the withheld funds were reportedly parked in interest-yielding accounts by the university management, delaying their release to beneficiaries.
Students affected by the alleged mismanagement claimed that even when NELFUND remitted amounts exceeding their tuition, the excess was not refunded promptly. Conversely, those whose loans fell short of fees had to cover the difference themselves.
According to official statistics, the university had 20,856 undergraduates in the 2024/2025 session, alongside 6,310 students at the Institute of Education and 2,802 enrolled in the Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education.
Records show that NELFUND, since its launch on May 24, 2024, has disbursed over N107 billion to 265 tertiary institutions, with UniAbuja receiving N768 million for the 2023/2024, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026 sessions.
On January 29, 2026, the fund released N256,142,500 as institutional fee loans for 2,245 students for the 2025/2026 session.
Despite receiving these funds, a memo dated February 7, 2026, from the Dean of Students’ Affairs instructed students to pay their tuition upfront and apply for reimbursement, leaving many distressed.
“I write to inform all NELFUND beneficiaries who are yet to pay their school fees to endeavour to pay and thereafter apply to the Bursar… for reimbursement,” the memo read.
The directive sparked anger among students, many of whom threatened protests. Within 24 hours, the university reversed the decision, allowing affected students to sit exams pending the release of funds. A follow-up memo dated February 8, signed on behalf of the VC, stated:
“Some beneficiary students were unable to pay their school fees by the due date. The Vice-Chancellor has therefore directed that these students be allowed to sit for their examinations without hindrance, pending payment of their fees from their disbursed loan.”
An insider told PLATFORM TIMES that NELFUND officials were “miffed” by the initial memo, claiming the management acted despite already having the funds. Investigations into the alleged diversion are reportedly ongoing, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tipped to take interest.
When contacted, Prof. Fawehinmi denied any wrongdoing, insisting there was no attempt to defraud students.
“It’s not correct. No management member is syphoning NELFUND money… there might be some elements who want to paint the university in a bad light,” he said.
NELFUND officials confirmed discrepancies between some students’ fees and disbursed amounts, noting that tertiary institutions are responsible for reporting and refunding excess funds.
“We have never received such reports or refunds from UniAbuja,” said Oluwatuyi Oseyemi, a spokesperson for NELFUND.
Students, however, remain dissatisfied, claiming delayed reimbursements and lack of transparency.
“Many of us submitted reimbursement letters months ago, yet some are still waiting, even after leaving school or moving abroad,” one student told PLATFORM TIMES.
The controversy raises questions about oversight of federal education funds and the accountability of university administrators in managing resources meant for vulnerable students.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
