NELFUND opens 2025/2026 student loan application portal for Nigerian tertiary institutions

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially launched its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, offering much-needed financial assistance to students in tertiary institutions across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, announced that the application window will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Oluwatuyi urged all eligible students to seize the opportunity to apply, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible to all Nigerians regardless of their financial background.

“The student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session officially opens on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and will close on Saturday, January 31, 2026,” the statement read.

NELFUND advised newly admitted students to apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number, to facilitate a seamless application process.

The agency also appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and tuition payment deadlines for students whose loan applications are being processed.

“Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement,” Oluwatuyi said.

He added that institutions that have not yet commenced their academic calendar for the new session should formally notify NELFUND to enable proper scheduling.

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility,” the statement noted.

The Fund reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints.

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed, to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” it stated.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established to provide interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and reducing financial barriers for young Nigerians.