The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. The application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
According to NELFUND, the initiative aims to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students across accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The agency expressed appreciation for the cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and urged them to continue updating and uploading verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal.
The statement emphasized that this verification step is crucial for students to successfully apply for and benefit from the loan scheme.
To ensure a seamless rollout, institutions have been advised to note the following key details:
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 may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matric Number
Institutional Flexibility: Institutions are encouraged to show understanding with registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement
Special Notice: Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility
NELFUND also appealed to tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students awaiting loan approval, ensuring no student loses access to education due to financial difficulties.
For technical support or further inquiries, institutions and students can contact NELFUND through the following channels:
1. Email: data@nelf.gov.ng
2. X (formerly Twitter): @nelfund
3. Instagram: @nelfund
4. Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
5. Website: www.nelf.gov.ng
The statement was signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
