NELFUND Opens Portal for 2025/2026 Student Loan Applications, By Abdulazeez Hikmah

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, which will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, through a statement signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND. The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an inclusive and transparent loan process designed to support all eligible students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

“Our goal is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to higher education due to financial limitations,” Mrs. Oluwatuyi stated. “This loan scheme is a lifeline for many students who are eager to pursue their academic dreams but face economic challenges.”

Call for Institutional Cooperation

NELFUND expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration of tertiary institutions nationwide and urged them to play an active role in ensuring a smooth application process. Institutions are advised to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, which is a crucial step for loan approval and disbursement.

“We count on the cooperation of tertiary institutions to make this process seamless,” the statement added. “By verifying student records promptly, institutions help ensure timely access to funds and a smoother academic experience for applicants.”

Eligibility and Application Process

The loan is open to returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions. Fresh students may apply using either their JAMB Registration Number or Admission Number in place of a matriculation number.

Institutions have been encouraged to demonstrate flexibility in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

In addition, schools that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session are required to formally notify NELFUND and submit their approved academic calendar to allow for effective scheduling and coordination.

Support for Students Awaiting Loan Processing

To prevent students from losing access to education due to financial constraints, NELFUND has appealed to tertiary institutions to allow temporary registration for students whose loan applications are still being processed.

Contact and Enquiries

For inquiries or technical assistance, NELFUND can be reached through the following official channels:

1. Email: data@nelf.gov.ng

2. X (Twitter): @nelfund

3. Instagram: @nelfund

4. Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND

5. Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

The statement concluded by reaffirming its dedication to expanding access to higher education and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of any student’s academic progress.