The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to a public statement released by the agency, the portal will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026, allowing eligible students from accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria to apply for educational loans.
The statement, signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive, transparent, and efficient loan process. NELFUND expressed appreciation to tertiary institutions nationwide for their cooperation and urged continued collaboration to support a seamless rollout of the initiative.
To facilitate the process, institutions have been advised to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This verification, the agency noted, is a crucial prerequisite for students seeking to access financial aid under the scheme.
In the released schedule, NELFUND outlined key details for the 2025/2026 academic session loan process:
- Portal Opening Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Portal Closing Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Eligible Students: Returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions
- Student Identification: Fresh students can apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number
- Institutional Flexibility: Schools are encouraged to show understanding by accommodating students awaiting loan disbursement in their registration and payment deadlines
- Special Notice: Institutions that have not commenced their 2025/2026 academic session are urged to formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendars for scheduling flexibility
NELFUND also appealed to tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are still being processed. This, according to the Fund, will help ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints.
For technical support or inquiries, institutions and applicants can contact NELFUND through the following official communication channels:
- Email: data@nelf.gov.ng
- X (Twitter): @nelfund
- Instagram: @nelfund
- Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
- Website: www.nelf.gov.ng
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is a federal initiative designed to provide easy access to interest-free loans for students of tertiary institutions across Nigeria, thereby promoting equal access to higher education and reducing financial barriers to academic advancement.
