The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced the opening of its Student Loan Application Portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

📅 Application Period:
Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that no Nigerian student drops out of school due to financial challenges.

🧭 What the Loan Is About

The NELFUND Student Loan Scheme is designed to support both new and returning students in all accredited tertiary institutions — universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges — across Nigeria.

The goal is to make higher education more inclusive and affordable, ensuring equal access to quality learning opportunities for all eligible Nigerian youths.

🏫 What Institutions Need to Do

According to a statement signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, all tertiary institutions are required to continue uploading and updating verified records of their students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal.

This verification process is a crucial requirement — without it, students will not be able to access or benefit from the loan scheme.

Institutions are therefore urged to cooperate with NELFUND to ensure smooth, error-free verification and faster loan processing.

📋 Key Details of the Loan Application Process

Here are the most important things both students and schools need to know:

🔹 Portal Opening Date

Thursday, October 23, 2025

🔹 Portal Closing Date

Saturday, January 31, 2026

🔹 Eligible Applicants

✅ All returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

🔹 Identification for Fresh Students

• New students can apply using either their JAMB Registration Number or Admission Number in place of a Matric Number (for those yet to be matriculated).

🔹 Institutional Flexibility

NELFUND has encouraged all schools to show understanding toward students who are waiting for their loan disbursement.

• Institutions should extend registration deadlines and delay fee payment enforcement for students whose loans are being processed.

🔹 Special Notice to Institutions Yet to Resume

Any institution that has not yet started the 2025/2026 academic session should officially write to NELFUND, attaching their approved academic calendar, to allow the agency adjust its schedule for student loan accessibility.

❤️ Ensuring No Student Is Left Behind

NELFUND emphasized that no student should be denied access to education because of money.

The agency is urging all tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration or provisional clearance for students awaiting loan approval. This measure ensures that students can attend classes and complete registration while their loan applications are being processed.

This inclusive approach reflects NELFUND’s mission to bridge financial gaps and support Nigerian students’ academic dreams.

🖥️ How to Apply

Students will apply directly through the official NELFUND Student Loan Portal:
👉 www.nelf.gov.ng

Before applying, ensure that:

• Your institution has uploaded your verified details on the NELFUND portal.

• You have your JAMB Registration Number, admission letter, and other relevant personal details ready.

• You provide accurate contact information during registration to receive updates about your loan status.

💬 For Support and Enquiries

Students or institutions who encounter any challenges can reach NELFUND through any of the official communication channels below:

📧 Email: [email protected]
🐦 X (Twitter): @nelfund
📸 Instagram: @nelfund
📘 Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
🌐 Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

🗣️ Final Note

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund expressed appreciation to all tertiary institutions for their continued cooperation and dedication in ensuring the success of the student loan scheme.

This initiative marks another important milestone in Nigeria’s education reform journey, as it ensures that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.

NELFUND is committed to building a future where education is a right, not a privilege — and every Nigerian student can confidently pursue their academic dreams without worrying about school fees.

✍️ Signed:

Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi
Director of Strategic Communications
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)