The Enugu State College of Education (Technical) (ESCET) has reportedly made registration for the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) compulsory for students seeking examination clearance, sparking protests among students and raising concerns over access to education. The controversy follows an internal memo dated October 6, 2026, while NELFUND has maintained that its student loan scheme is voluntary and should be accessed according to individual financial needs.
Key Highlights
- ESCET reportedly directed all NCE and degree students to register for NELFUND loans for the 2026/2027 academic session.
- An internal memo allegedly made loan registration compulsory for fresh and returning students.
- Messages reportedly linked to the college’s Dean of Students Affairs suggested that students without NELFUND registration receipts could face difficulties obtaining examination clearance.
- Students have questioned the policy and raised concerns over alleged discrepancies between school fees and figures displayed on the loan portal.
- NELFUND insists that students who do not need financial assistance are not required to apply for the loan.
- ESCET management and the Enugu State Government had not publicly responded as of the latest reports cited.
ESCET Reportedly Makes NELFUND Registration Compulsory
According to reports, an internal memo dated October 6, 2026, and signed by ESCET Acting Registrar, Patrick A. Aneke, directed all students in the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes to enrol for and access NELFUND loans during the 2026/2027 academic session.
The memo reportedly instructed fresh and returning students to apply through the college’s NELFUND Desk Officer, Dr Rufina Agu. It also directed deans, heads of departments and the Students’ Union Government to ensure compliance with the directive.
The reported policy has generated controversy because NELFUND was established to provide financial assistance to eligible students who need support with the cost of higher education.
Students Raise Alarm Over Examination Clearance
The controversy reportedly intensified after messages circulated in a college WhatsApp group suggested that students would need to present a NELFUND registration receipt to obtain examination clearance.
According to the reports, an account linked to the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Bertrand Ekwe, indicated that students who failed to provide the receipt could face difficulties continuing their studies.
When a student reportedly asked what would happen if their parents declined to take the loan, the account responded that continuing at the college might become difficult. The account also allegedly indicated that students without the receipt could be denied examination clearance unless management changed its decision.
The reported exchanges have raised concerns about whether students are being pressured to take loans even when they or their families can pay their fees directly.
Critics also alleged that students who opposed the directive were discouraged from influencing others against it. However, the claims surrounding the WhatsApp exchanges and the implementation of the policy have not been independently established in the information provided.
Students Question Alleged School Fee Discrepancies
Some students have also alleged discrepancies between the fees ordinarily charged by the college and the amounts displayed on the NELFUND portal.
According to the allegations, fees said to be about ₦8,500 appeared as ₦9,500 on the loan platform. The claims have prompted calls for clarification over how the amounts were calculated.
The allegations have not been independently verified. Any confirmed discrepancy would require an explanation from the college and the relevant authorities.
Students opposing the reported directive are asking the institution to allow those who can afford their fees to pay directly without being compelled to apply for loans or risk losing access to examinations.
Read also:
- NELFUND Says Obtaining Student Loan Is Voluntary, Not Compulsory
- NELFUND Student Loan 2026/2027: Portal, Payment and Requirements Live Tracker
- NELFUND Probes 34 Schools Over Alleged Student Loan Refund Irregularities
NELFUND Says Student Loans Are Voluntary
On October 21, 2026, NELFUND reportedly reaffirmed that accessing its student loan facility is voluntary and should depend on each student’s financial circumstances and genuine need for assistance.
The Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said students who do not require financial support are under no obligation to apply for or access the facility.
NELFUND also reportedly warned that making the scheme compulsory for all students would contradict its fundamental purpose. It described the interest-free loan as a support mechanism rather than an obligation and urged tertiary institutions and student leaders to provide accurate information about the programme.
The clarification has intensified questions about the reported ESCET directive and whether students should be required to register for a loan as a condition for examination clearance.
NELFUND Previously Warned Institutions Against Unethical Practices
The controversy comes months after NELFUND reportedly condemned what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions.
In June 2026, the Fund raised concerns about alleged delays or refusals to refund fees paid by students before loan disbursements, as well as arbitrary increases in tuition and other charges.
NELFUND said such practices could undermine the scheme’s objective of reducing financial barriers to education.
The latest dispute has renewed debate about how institutions administer the student loan programme and whether students are being given a genuine choice about borrowing.
What Happens Next for ESCET Students?
As of the latest reports cited, neither ESCET management nor the Enugu State Government had issued a public response to the controversy.
Students and parents are seeking clarification on whether NELFUND registration is mandatory for examination clearance and whether students who choose not to borrow can continue their studies without penalties.
NELFUND’s stated position is that students who do not need financial assistance are not obligated to take the loan. However, how that position will be applied at ESCET remains unclear until the college addresses the reported directive.
A formal response from the institution would help clarify its policy, the status of examination-clearance requirements and the allegations concerning fees displayed on the loan portal.
For more education and student loan updates, follow us on X.
