The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has issued an urgent public warning about a fake message spreading across social media and messaging platforms. The fraudulent message falsely claims that the “NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is now open” and directs people to a scam website disguised as the official portal.
The fake link being circulated is http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan (or similar variations). NELFUND has confirmed that this website is completely unauthorised, fraudulent, and has no connection whatsoever with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
In its official statement released on Tuesday, NELFUND strongly warned students, parents, and the general public NOT to click on the fake link, NOT to fill any forms on the fraudulent site, and NEVER to provide personal or financial details such as names, phone numbers, BVN, NIN, bank account details, or passwords.
How to Identify the Real NELFUND Student Loan Portal
| Feature | Official NELFUND Portal | Fake/Scam Websites |
|---|---|---|
| Website address | Begins with https://nelf.gov.ng | Random short links, .xyz, .top, .cf, etc. |
| Domain name | nelf.gov.ng | Anything that is NOT nelf.gov.ng |
| Announced through | Official NELFUND website, verified X, Facebook, Instagram | WhatsApp forwards, random posts, text messages |
| Requires payment to apply | Never – application is 100% free | Often asks for “processing” or “activation” fee |
| Asks for BVN/bank details early | Only at secure final stages | Asks immediately on fake forms |
| Has official NELFUND logo & branding | Yes, consistent and professional | Poorly copied or missing elements |
Official Statement from NELFUND
“Any message directing you to websites outside nelf.gov.ng is fake. The genuine student loan application portal is accessible ONLY through our official website and verified social media pages. Do not click suspicious links. Do not share your personal information with unverified sources. Always double-check announcements directly on nelf.gov.ng.”
NOTE:
- Never click random links about NELFUND.
- The only official website is nelf.gov.ng.
- Application is 100% free – never pay anyone.
- Verify every announcement directly on the official website or verified social media pages.
- Report suspicious messages immediately.
Stay safe, stay informed, and only use the official NELFUND channels. The real student loan you deserve will always be free and accessible through the correct government portal when it officially opens.
READ ALSO: NELFUND Disburses N140 Billion to 788,000 Students Across Nigeria
FAQs
Is the NELFUND student loan portal currently open?
As of December 2025, NELFUND has not officially announced the reopening of a new application window. Any message claiming the portal is open right now and directing you to third-party links is fraudulent.
What is the only official website for NELFUND student loans?
The only authentic website is https://nelf.gov.ng. All genuine application processes will direct you there.
Why are scammers creating fake NELFUND portals?
Fraudsters take advantage of students’ urgent need for financial help. They create fake sites to steal personal data (BVN, NIN, bank details) which can be used for identity theft, emptying bank accounts, or taking loans in victims’ names.
I already clicked the fake link. What should I do?
- Do NOT enter any information if you haven’t already.
- If you entered personal details, immediately contact your bank and report possible fraud.
- Monitor your bank accounts and credit alerts closely.
- Report the incident to NELFUND and to the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit.
I filled the form and paid money. What now?
Unfortunately, any money paid to scammers cannot be recovered through NELFUND because the transaction was never with the real agency. Report the case immediately to the nearest police station and to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Does the real NELFUND ever ask for payment to process applications?
No. The entire student loan application process is completely free. You should never pay anyone or any website to apply for the loan.
How will I know when the real portal actually opens?
NELFUND will announce it simultaneously on:
- The official website (nelf.gov.ng)
- Verified social media handles (@NELFUND on X, Facebook, and Instagram)
- Press releases to major Nigerian newspapers and TV stations There will be no need for random WhatsApp or SMS links.
Are there any official short links used by NELFUND?
No. NELFUND does not use URL shorteners like bit.ly, tinyurl, or random domains such as gvly.xyz, nelfundportal.xyz, etc. The only correct address starts with nelf.gov.ng.
Can I apply through agents or third-party websites?
No. NELFUND does not appoint agents, consultants, or third-party companies to collect applications. Anyone claiming to help you apply for a fee is a scammer.
What personal information is actually required for the real application?
When the portal officially opens, you will need:
- JAMB registration number
- NIN
- BVN
- Bank account details (only at the final secure stage) All information is submitted directly on the official nelf.gov.ng portal under secure HTTPS connection.
How can I verify if a message is truly from NELFUND?
- Check that the X (Twitter) handle is @NELFUND with the blue verified tick.
- Facebook and Instagram pages must be the official ones with large followings and consistent posting history.
- Always visit nelf.gov.ng directly instead of clicking links.
Who should I report fake messages to?
- Forward suspicious messages to NELFUND’s official contact channels.
- Report the website/link to Google Safe Browsing.
- Report to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on 622 (toll-free).
- Report cybercrime to the Nigeria Police or EFCC.
Will sharing my details on the fake site affect my real application later?
No. The fake site has nothing to do with the real database. However, stolen details can be used for other crimes, so protect yourself immediately.
Is there any mobile app for NELFUND yet?
As of now, NELFUND has not launched an official mobile app. Any app on Google Play or App Store claiming to be NELFUND student loan is fake.
When is the next genuine application likely to open?
While an exact date has not yet been provided, NELFUND typically releases information about new application phases well ahead of time—often several weeks in advance. These updates are shared exclusively through NELFUND’s verified communication channels, such as official press releases, social-media handles, and most importantly, the organization’s website.
Because of the rise in fake portals and misleading announcements, it is crucial to wait for confirmation directly from nelf.gov.ng before submitting any details or attempting to apply. Monitoring the official site regularly will ensure you receive accurate information as soon as the next authentic application window is announced.