The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has fired back at what it described as a coordinated wave of fake news claiming that the Federal Government had suspended students’ upkeep allowances under the student loan scheme, warning Nigerians against falling for “AI-generated misinformation” designed to trigger panic nationwide.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND dismissed the viral reports circulating across social media platforms as “entirely fake, misleading and malicious,” insisting that no such directive had been issued by either the Federal Government or the agency.
The Fund specifically debunked a purported newspaper front page allegedly published by the Nigerian Tribune, describing it as an AI-generated fabrication falsely linked to the organisation.
NELFUND said the fake reports were deliberately crafted to “create panic, confusion and distrust” among students, parents and other beneficiaries of the student loan programme.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund wishes to categorically refute and condemn the false and misleading publications currently circulating across social media and online platforms alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme,” the statement read.
The agency stressed that no decision had been taken to halt the payment of upkeep allowances to students benefiting from the scheme.
“No directive has been issued by the Federal Government or NELFUND regarding the suspension of upkeep allowances,” the Fund declared.
It further clarified that the controversial publications did not emanate from any official government source or recognised NELFUND communication channel.
“The publications in circulation did not originate from NELFUND or any authorized government channel,” the statement added.
NELFUND also raised alarm over the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, warning that the fake newspaper cover being widely circulated online was not authentic.
“The newspaper cover currently being shared is AI-generated and does not represent a genuine publication from the Nigerian Tribune,” it stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to the implementation of the student loan initiative, the Fund assured beneficiaries that disbursement of loans and upkeep support would continue transparently and efficiently in line with its mandate.
“NELFUND remains committed to the transparent and efficient disbursement of student loans and upkeep support in line with its mandate,” the agency said.
The Fund urged Nigerians to ignore unverified reports and rely only on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the scheme.
It also cautioned members of the public against spreading false content capable of causing unnecessary fear and anxiety among students and parents across the country.
“The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement added.
