NELFUND Opens Student Loan Portal for 2025/2026 Session
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to a statement from the agency, the portal will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The move marks another milestone in the federal government’s efforts to make tertiary education more accessible and inclusive for Nigerian students. The scheme aims to provide interest-free loans to eligible students across accredited universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
NELFUND expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and called for continued collaboration to ensure a smooth rollout. The agency urged all institutions to update and upload verified student records, both returning and newly admitted, on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This step is crucial for applicants to successfully access and benefit from the loan programme.
According to the release signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, institutions are also encouraged to demonstrate flexibility in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.
The statement further advised tertiary institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic calendar to formally communicate with NELFUND, submitting their approved schedules to facilitate flexible processing timelines.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints, urging institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose applications are still being processed.
The student loan scheme, one of the key education reform initiatives under the current administration, aims to reduce dropout rates linked to economic hardship and empower young Nigerians with equal opportunities for higher learning.
With the 2025/2026 application window now open, eligible students are encouraged to begin their applications early and rely only on official NELFUND platforms for accurate information and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the NELFUND student loan portal opening and closing?
The portal opens on October 23, 2025, and closes on January 31, 2026.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the NELFUND student loan?
All returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria are eligible.
3. What information is needed to apply?
Fresh students may use either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.
4. Is the NELFUND loan interest-free?
Yes. The NELFUND student loan is designed to be interest-free, ensuring affordability and inclusivity for all students.