NSFAS Payment System Faces Hurdles Amid University Resistance and Student Protests. Ismael Ally, CFO of eZaga, one of four fintech companies handling student allowances for NSFAS, highlights various challenges in the implementation of the new direct payment system. Check your application status now.
Resistance from Universities and Student Protests
Several universities have resisted the direct payment system, leading to student protests and disruptions. Many students were discouraged from registering due to appeals by universities to extend their contracts for paying students.
Low Registration Rates
Despite efforts to engage students and university stakeholders, only 45% of students at six universities were registered to receive their allowances by July 31. This low registration rate posed administrative challenges for eZaga.
Efficiency of the System
Ally defends the efficiency of the payment system, stating that eZaga had registered 97.8% of students by this week, with payments expected to be made soon. However, some students incurred high charges due to delays in receiving bank cards.
Individual Challenges for Students
Some students faced individual challenges, such as conflicting ID numbers, hindering their registration process.
Mixed Student Feedback
While Ally paints a positive picture of the system, some students express dissatisfaction with the service and prefer transacting with their banks.
Conclusion
The implementation of the NSFAS payment system faces various challenges, including university resistance and low registration rates, despite efforts to improve efficiency and accessibility.