The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, giving students across the country access to financial support for their tertiary education.
According to a statement issued by Mrs. Oseyemi Olowutuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, the application portal will open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The agency said the initiative is aimed at ensuring a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students, with particular attention to both returning and newly admitted students in accredited tertiary institutions nationwide.
“NELFUND appreciates the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students,” the statement read.
Institutions have been reminded to verify and upload the records of their admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, a crucial step for applicants to successfully access the loan scheme.
Returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions are eligible to apply. Fresh students may complete their applications using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.
NELFUND also encouraged institutions to demonstrate flexibility with registration and tuition payment deadlines for students whose loan applications are being processed, to prevent disruption to their academic activities.
For institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session, NELFUND advised them to formally communicate their academic calendars to the agency for scheduling and administrative alignment.
“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement added.
Students and institutions seeking further information or technical support are encouraged to contact NELFUND via email (data@nelf.gov.ng) or through its official social media handles: @nelfund on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. More details are also available on the agency’s website: www.nelf.gov.ng.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, established to expand access to higher education through interest-free student loans, continues to play a key role in reducing financial barriers for Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education.