The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the federal government has suspended the payment of upkeep allowances to beneficiaries of the student loan scheme.

The agency described the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create panic and confusion among students and the public.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Strategic Communications for NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, clarified that neither the federal government nor the agency had announced any suspension of upkeep payments.

According to the statement, some of the false reports included fabricated announcements falsely attributed to NELFUND, as well as an AI-generated newspaper front page allegedly linked to the Nigerian Tribune.

The agency stressed that the publications being circulated online did not originate from NELFUND or any authorised government communication platform.

NELFUND specifically warned that the newspaper front page being widely shared online was artificially generated using Artificial Intelligence technology and should not be treated as an authentic publication.

The agency expressed concern over the increasing spread of manipulated digital content capable of misleading the public and damaging trust in government programmes.

Observers say the incident highlights the growing challenge posed by misinformation and AI-generated content on social media platforms.

NELFUND advised students, parents, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to rely only on verified information released through the agency’s official communication channels and credible news organisations.

The Fund also cautioned members of the public against forwarding or sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear or confusion nationwide.

According to the statement, misinformation surrounding public programmes could undermine confidence in important educational support initiatives.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives aimed at improving access to higher education.

NELFUND noted that the student loan and upkeep support scheme remains an important component of efforts to reduce financial barriers facing students across the country.

The Fund maintained that it would continue to provide accurate updates through official platforms while monitoring attempts to spread false information about its operations.

The controversy has once again drawn attention to the rapid spread of fake news and AI-generated content in Nigeria’s digital space.

Media experts continue to urge citizens to verify information before sharing it online, especially regarding sensitive public policies and government programmes.

As discussions around student welfare and educational financing continue, NELFUND says it remains focused on delivering support to eligible beneficiaries while protecting the integrity of its communication processes.