The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially launched its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, opening applications on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and running through Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Announced on October 21, 2025, the initiative targets over 1.5 million eligible students across 300 accredited tertiary institutions, providing interest-free loans to bridge financial barriers amid Nigeria’s 40% youth unemployment rate (NBS, Q3 2025). Managing Director Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr emphasized, “No Nigerian student should drop out due to feesโthis portal is their gateway to opportunity.”
Key Details and Timeline
The portal, accessible at www.nelf.gov.ng, supports returning and newly admitted students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Applications are streamlined via JAMB registration numbers (for fresh students) or matriculation numbers, with biometric verification ensuring transparency.
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| Itemย | Details/Action Requiredย |
|---|---|
| Portal Opening Date | Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
| Portal Closing Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Eligible Students | Returning & newly admitted students of accredited institutions |
| Student Identification | JAMB/Admissions Number (in place of Matric Number) |
| Institutional Flexibility | Institutions yet to commence 2025/2026 session: Submit approved calendar to NELFUND |
| Special Notice | Temporary registration for loan applicants to prevent session loss |
NELFUND disbursed NGN 15 billion in the 2024/2025 cycle, funding 850,000 studentsโup 30% from 2023. For 2025/2026, loans cover tuition (up to NGN 500,000/year) and upkeep (NGN 20,000/month), repayable post-NYSC with 9% interest moratorium.
Institutional Collaboration Essential
Tertiary institutions must upload verified records of returning and new students by October 22, 2025, via the NELFUND Verification Portal. “This step is crucial for seamless approvals,” Sawyerr noted in a circular to vice-chancellors. Institutions delaying their 2025/2026 calendars should formally notify NELFUND at data@nelf.gov.ng for scheduling flexibility. NELFUND appeals for temporary admissions for loan applicants, ensuring no student misses out.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit www.nelf.gov.ng or download the NELFUND app.
- Register with JAMB/Matric number, email, and phone.
- Upload BVN, NIN, and admission letter.
- Select institution and course; submit biometrics.
- Track status via dashboardโapprovals within 7 days.
Technical support: data@nelf.gov.ng, @nelfund (X), Facebook/Instagram (@nelfund), or helpline: 0800-NEL-FUND.
Impact and Reactions
Since inception under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024, NELFUND has empowered 2.3 million students, reducing dropout rates by 15% (Ministry of Education, 2025). UNILAG’s VC Prof. Folasade Ogunsola hailed it: “This portal transforms livesโour 5,000 applicants last year graduated debt-free.” NANS President Comrade Lucky Emonefe urged: “Apply now! 70% of us need this lifeline.”
Critics like ASUU’s Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke called for expanded upkeep stipends amid inflation (28.5%, CPI September 2025), but praised the BVAS-linked process for curbing fraud.
Why This Matters
With 2.5 million tertiary applicants annually (JAMB 2025), NELFUND addresses NGN 1.2 trillion education funding gaps, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Early birds get priorityโover 200,000 slots filled in 2024’s first week.
Conclusion
On October 21, 2025, NELFUND’s portal launch opens doors for 1.5M+ students from October 23, 2025, to January 31, 2026. As Sawyerr declared, “Education is a right, not a privilege.” Apply todayโyour future starts here!
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