The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.
In a statement released by the Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency urged all tertiary institutions to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal.
According to Oluwatuyi, this process is critical to ensuring that eligible students are able to successfully apply for and benefit from the federal government’s student loan programme.
“NELFUND appreciates the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students,” she stated.
The agency outlined key details and guidelines to facilitate the smooth rollout of the scheme:
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 (as a substitute for a matriculation number)
Institutional Flexibility: Institutions are encouraged to show understanding by adjusting registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement
“Institutions that are yet to commence the 2025/2026 academic session are advised to formally write to NELFUND, submitting their approved academic calendar to request scheduling flexibility
In a further appeal, NELFUND encouraged institutions to consider implementing temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are still being processed. This, the Fund noted, would help prevent students from missing out on education due to financial constraints.
“No student should be denied access to education because of delays in loan disbursement,” Oluwatuyi emphasized.