The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. The portal will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the initiative is part of NELFUND’s efforts to ensure smooth and inclusive access to education for eligible students across accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The statement urged tertiary institutions to update and upload the verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, emphasizing that this step is critical for students to successfully apply and benefit from the loan scheme.
NELFUND listed eligible applicants as returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions. Fresh students are to apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.
Institutions have also been encouraged to show understanding and flexibility with registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement. NELFUND further advised schools that have not commenced their academic session to formally notify the agency with their approved academic calendars for proper scheduling.
To prevent students from losing access to education due to financial delays, the agency appealed to tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration measures while loan applications are being processed.
For further enquiries, NELFUND advised institutions and students to reach out through its official communication channels — email (data@nelf.gov.ng), social media handles (@nelfund on X and Instagram), and website (www.nelf.gov.ng).
