The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is delighted to announce the official opening of the student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. The portal will be active from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This initiative, in line with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to remove financial barriers and ensure that every qualified Nigerian student has access to higher education, regardless of economic background.
NELFUND sincerely appreciates the tremendous support and cooperation received from rectors, vice-chancellors, provosts, registrars, bursars, and ICT directors across federal and state tertiary institutions. Your partnership has been instrumental in the success of previous cycles, and we look forward to even stronger collaboration this session.
Critical Actions Required from All Tertiary Institutions
For the 2025/2026 loan cycle to be seamless and inclusive, every accredited federal and state tertiary institution must complete the following before the portal closes:
1. Upload Verified Student Data
- Update and upload the complete, verified records of all returning students and newly admitted students (2025/2026 intake) on the NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS).
- This remains the only way students can be authenticated and allowed to proceed with their loan applications.
2. Complete Uploads Early
Institutions are strongly encouraged to finalize uploads well before the January 31, 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
3. Show Flexibility on Registration & Fee Deadlines
Many students depend entirely on the NELFUND loan for school fees. Institutions are urged to extend reasonable grace periods or implement provisional/temporary registration for students whose applications are being processed or awaiting disbursement.
4. Institutions Yet to Resume 2025/2026 Session
- If your institution has not officially commenced the 2025/2026 academic session, kindly send a formal letter (on official letterhead) attaching your approved academic calendar to data@nelf.gov.ng.
- NELFUND will grant appropriate scheduling extensions on a case-by-case basis.
Summary of Key Dates and Requirements
| Item | Details / Action Required |
|---|---|
| Portal Opening Date | Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
| Portal Closing Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Eligible Institutions | All federal and state universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other accredited tertiary institutions |
| Eligible Students | Full-time returning and newly admitted Nigerian students |
| Required Student ID for Freshers | JAMB Registration Number OR Institution Admission Number (matric number not mandatory at application stage) |
| Institutional Responsibility | Verify and upload student records on the NELFUND SVS portal |
| Recommended Action for Schools | Allow provisional registration for loan applicants |
| Institutions Not Yet in Session | Write officially to data@nelf.gov.ng with approved academic calendar |
FAQs
When exactly does the portal open and close?
The portal opens at 12:00 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This gives applicants a little over three months to complete their registration and submit all required information. It is important to note that once the deadline passes, the system will automatically shut down, and no late submissions, appeals, or manual entries will be allowed. Applicants are strongly advised to begin their application early to avoid last-minute issues such as network delays, incomplete school records, or system congestion.
Who is eligible to apply for the NELFUND loan?
Any Nigerian student enrolled full-time in a federal or state-owned university, polytechnic, college of education, or other accredited tertiary institution, whether returning or newly admitted.
Can students from private universities apply?
At the moment, the scheme covers only students in federal and state government-owned institutions. Plans to expand to private institutions will be communicated in the future.
My school has not uploaded my details. What should I do?
Politely follow up with your institution’s Students Affairs, ICT, or Registry department. Only your school can verify and upload your record. NELFUND cannot do it on their behalf.
I am a fresh student and I don’t have a matric number yet. Can I still apply?
Yes! Use either your JAMB Registration Number or your Institution Admission Number during the application. The system accepts both.
Is the loan interest-free?
Yes, 100% interest-free. There are no hidden charges or interest throughout the duration of your study and the moratorium period after graduation.
When does repayment start?
Repayment begins two years after completion of NYSC or immediately if you secure employment earlier — whichever comes first.
What does the loan cover?
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Institutional fees (tuition, accommodation, faculty/departmental charges, etc.)
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Upkeep allowance (stipend) disbursed directly to the student’s account every month or semester, depending on the institution’s calendar.
My school is threatening to stop me from lectures/exams because of fees. What should I do?
Show your school the official NELFUND directive requesting flexibility. If the issue persists, kindly report to data@nelf.gov.ng with evidence (application reference number, proof of submission, etc.).
How will I know if my application is successful?
You will receive SMS and email notifications at every stage:
Application Received → Under Review → Approved → Disbursement in Progress → Funds Sent to Institution/Student
How long does disbursement take after approval?
Institutional fees are paid directly to the school within 30 days of approval.
Upkeep allowance is paid directly to the student’s bank account according to the institution’s academic calendar.
Can I apply if I am on part-time or sandwich program?
Currently, only full-time students enrolled in regular academic programs are eligible for the NELFUND loan. This is because the scheme is designed to support students who follow the standard academic calendar and are physically engaged in on-campus learning. Part-time, distance-learning, and sandwich programs are not yet included. If there are future updates or an expansion to cover these categories, NELFUND will officially communicate the changes through its verified channels.
What documents do I need to apply?
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JAMB result/Admission letter
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NIN
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Bank Account Details (must match the name on your application)
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Institution details
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Passport photograph
No guarantor or collateral is required.
I made a mistake in my application. Can I edit it?
Minor corrections can be made before final submission. Once submitted, contact support immediately via the official channels for assistance.
How do I contact NELFUND for urgent help?
Use only the verified channels below:
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Email: data@nelf.gov.ng, support@nelf.gov.ng
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Official Website: www.nelf.gov.ng
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X (Twitter): @nelfund
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Instagram: @nelfund
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Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
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Student Application Portal: www.nelf.gov.ng
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