Students applying for loans are being urged to double-check every link they click, as scammers continue to target the NELFUND scheme.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned the public about fraudulent messages circulating online, including a fake notice claiming a new 2026 registration portal.
In a post shared on its X account on Thursday, the Fund advised Nigerians to rely only on its verified communication channels.
“Please ensure you verify all links and rely only on our official channels for accurate information. Remain vigilant against misinformation, fake news, and potential scams,” NELFUND stated.
The fake notice alleged that President Bola Tinubu had directed the reopening of a portal due to challenges faced by students.
It also promoted a suspicious link as an official platform for loan registration and cash transfers.
NELFUND has described the link as fraudulent.
The Fund noted that this is not the first time such scams have surfaced.
Similar messages circulated in 2025,
falsely claiming presidential approval to reopen application portals or promising quick cash benefits.
The student loan scheme, established under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, provides interest-free loans to support tertiary education.
It covers tuition fees and monthly upkeep allowances, with repayment expected to begin two years after completing the National Youth Service Programme.
With interest in the scheme growing, authorities say staying alert is key to avoiding scams that exploit students seeking financial support.
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.