The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to the agency, the portal will be accessible from Thursday, October 23, 2025, and will remain open until Saturday, January 31, 2026.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND called for continued cooperation from tertiary institutions across the country to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and transparent loan process for all eligible students.
The agency emphasized the importance of institutions updating and uploading verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This, it said, is a crucial step for students to successfully apply for and benefit from the loan scheme.
Key Details of the Application Process
Portal Opening Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Portal Closing Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Eligibility: Returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions
Student Identification: Fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.
Institutional Flexibility: Institutions are urged to be considerate with registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.
Special Notice: Institutions yet to commence their 2025/2026 academic session are advised to formally notify NELFUND, attaching their approved academic calendar to facilitate scheduling flexibility.
NELFUND also appealed to institutions to adopt temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are still being processed. The agency stressed that no student should be denied access to education due to financial hardship.
For technical support and inquiries, institutions and students can contact NELFUND through the following 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 reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to higher education through affordable financial support, ensuring that “no willing student is left behind due to lack of funds.”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
