The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its online application portal for student loans for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The portal, which becomes active from Thursday, October 23, will remain open until Saturday, January 31, 2026, allowing students across tertiary institutions to apply for financial support.
This was contained in a statement released in Abuja by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all qualified students through the 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,” Oluwatuyi said. She further urged institutions to update and upload the verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, describing the process as crucial for successful applications.
According to the agency, newly admitted students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matric Number. The statement also encouraged universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to show understanding and flexibility when enforcing registration or tuition payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.
NELFUND advised institutions that are yet to begin their 2025/2026 academic calendar to formally notify the agency by submitting their approved academic timetable. This, the agency said, would help ensure scheduling flexibility during loan processing.
The Fund further appealed to all tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration options for students whose loan applications are being processed, emphasising that no student should be denied access to education due to financial hardship.
