The Management of Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare (ASCOEA) has issued a definitive administrative directive regarding the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session. In a circular dated February 6, 2026, and released through the Office of the Registrar, the institution confirmed that the window for student loan applications will formally close on Thursday, 27th February, 2026.

This announcement is not merely a deadline notice; it is a critical alignment of institutional policy with federal financial intervention. For students at ASCOEA, understanding the intersection between college registration and NELFUND eligibility is essential for securing the funds necessary to sustain their academic journey.

1. The Institutional Framework: ASCOEA and NELFUND Integration

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) represents a monumental shift in how higher education is funded in Nigeria. By providing interest-free loans to students in public institutions, the federal government aims to reduce the dropout rate caused by financial indigence. However, for a college like ASCOEA to facilitate this for its students, a rigorous verification process must be maintained.

The Registrar’s office, represented in this circular by Sunusi Jibo, emphasizes that the college acts as the primary verifier. NELFUND does not operate in a vacuum; it relies on the “Student Verification System” (SVS) provided by the college to ensure that every applicant is a legitimate, active student.

2. The Prerequisite: Mandatory First Semester Registration

The most significant takeaway from the management’s announcement is the mandatory requirement of first semester registration. The college has made it explicitly clear: No registration, No loan.

Why Registration is Compulsory Before Application

The NELFUND portal is technologically linked to the college’s internal database. When a student enters their JAMB or Matriculation number on the NELFUND site, the system performs a real-time API call to ASCOEA’s servers.

• If a student has not completed their first semester registration, the college database will flag them as “Inactive.”

• An “Inactive” status leads to an automatic rejection or a “Data Not Found” error on the NELFUND portal.

• Registration confirms that the student has accepted their admission (for freshers) or is progressing to the next level (for returning students), thereby validating the government’s investment.

3. Guidelines for Fresh and Returning Students

The circular provides specific instructions for the two main categories of the student body to ensure no one is left behind before the February 27th cutoff.

For Newly Admitted (Fresh) Students

Fresh students are often the most vulnerable during the application window due to their unfamiliarity with college portals.

• Completion of Admission: You must have cleared your screening and obtained an official admission letter.

• Bio-data Verification: Ensure your name on the NELFUND portal matches exactly with the name on your JAMB and ASCOEA admission records. Any discrepancy will lead to a verification failure.

• Urgency: Freshers who have not initiated their application must prioritize their college registration this week to allow the system to update their status before the NELFUND deadline.

For Returning Students

Returning students who are already beneficiaries or are applying for the first time must “revisit” their portals.

• Information Updates: Check for changes in tuition fees or personal details.

• Confirmation of Status: Ensure that your 2025/2026 academic level is correctly reflected. If you were in 100 Level last session, the system must show you are now in 200 Level to justify the loan request for the new session.

4. Technical and Administrative Deadlines

The College Management has adopted a “Zero Tolerance” policy toward late submissions. The timeline is structured as follows:

The gap between the circular and the closure is designed to give students exactly three weeks to troubleshoot any portal issues. The Office of the Registrar has copied this notice to all principal officers and the Student Union Government (SUG) President to ensure that information trickles down to the most remote parts of the campus community.

5. Consequence of Non-Compliance

The notice concludes with a stern warning: No submissions will be accepted after the portal closure.

Students who miss this deadline may face:

1. Financial Hardship: Without the NELFUND intervention, students will be solely responsible for their tuition and upkeep, which could lead to a “Deferment of Admission” or withdrawal.

2. Registration Delays: Missing the loan window might complicate your ability to finalize your registration for the second semester, as the college requires full payment of fees for final clearance.

3. Ineligibility for Future Batches: NELFUND often processes applications in session-based batches. Missing the 2025/2026 window may mean waiting until the 2026/2027 academic session to reapply.

6. Advice for a Successful Application

To ensure a hitch-free experience before February 27th, students are advised to:

• Check Notice Boards: Regularly visit departmental and SUG notice boards for updates on the “Verified List” sent from NELFUND to the college.

• Use Reliable Internet: Portal congestion is common during the final 48 hours. Aim to complete all digital steps by February 24th.

• Consult the SUG: The Student Union Government has been briefed to assist students with technical challenges or clarifications regarding the registration-to-NELFUND workflow.

Conclusion: Securing the Academic Future

The management of Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, is committed to the welfare of its students, but this welfare is a two-way street requiring administrative compliance. The NELFUND portal closure on February 27, 2026, is an absolute deadline. Students are urged to take this notice with the highest level of seriousness, finalize their college registration, and secure their financial support for the session.