NELFUND Flags 21 Fake Facebook Pages, Urges Nigerians to Avoid Online Scams
NELFUND warns public against 21 fake Facebook pages impersonating its official student loan platform.
Agency urges students to use verified channels only as loan disbursements hit ₦73.1 billion.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has raised alarm over the circulation of 21 fake Facebook pages impersonating the agency. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, July 2, and signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund warned Nigerians against engaging with these fraudulent accounts designed to deceive the public.
According to the notice, the identified Facebook pages falsely present themselves as official NELFUND platforms and are being used to spread misinformation and potentially lure unsuspecting applicants into scams. NELFUND emphasized that it operates only one verified Facebook page.
NELFUND cautioned the public to avoid following, interacting with, or sharing content from any of the fake pages. Users were also advised not to disclose personal details on unverified platforms to prevent identity theft and cyber-related fraud.
All official updates regarding the student loan application process including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and disbursement information will continue to be published only via the agency’s verified digital channels, including:
- Website: www.nelf.gov.ng
- X (Twitter): @nelfund
- Instagram: @nelfund
- Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund: NELFUND
Collaboration with Authorities Underway
NELFUND revealed it is already working with relevant security and digital service agencies to identify and shut down the impersonator accounts. It called on Nigerians to aid in these efforts by reporting any suspicious profiles or misleading content that may compromise public trust in the student loan program.
Despite the cyber threats, NELFUND’s student loan scheme continues to gain momentum. As of June 28, 2025:
- A total of ₦73.1 billion has been disbursed to 366,247 students across 206 tertiary institutions nationwide.
- The funds include ₦38.26 billion for tuition and institutional fees, and ₦34.85 billion for upkeep allowances.
Data from the NELFUND Loan Dashboard shows high engagement:
- 647,269 students have registered since the portal launched on May 24, 2024
- 611,018 applicants successfully completed their applications, reflecting a 94% success rate
The report also noted that within just 24 hours between June 27 and June 28, there were 1,316 new registrants and 1,387 completed applications, with a 105% completion rate, indicating rapid processing and platform responsiveness.
NELFUND warning against fake Facebook pages serves as a timely reminder of the growing threat of online impersonation, especially amid Nigeria’s expanding digital public services. Students and applicants are advised to rely only on verified channels and remain cautious of any unofficial communications.