NELFUND Launches Student Loan Application Portal for 2025/2026 Academic Year
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, offering eligible students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria access to financial aid to support their studies.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, the agency announced that the application period will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. This timeline provides ample opportunity for both new and returning students to apply for educational funding before the new academic year begins.
According to NELFUND, the initiative aims to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to quality education due to financial hardship. Fresh applicants are encouraged to apply through the loan portal using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number, which will serve as a substitute for their matriculation number if it has not yet been assigned by their institution.
The agency also appealed to tertiary institutions to exercise patience and flexibility in handling registration and tuition payment deadlines for students whose loan disbursements are still being processed. NELFUND emphasized that such understanding from schools is crucial to achieving its mission of inclusive access to higher education.
“Institutional authorities are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement,” the statement read. “Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility.”
Furthermore, NELFUND called on universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to adopt temporary registration measures for applicants whose loan processing is ongoing. The fund explained that this step will prevent students from losing access to lectures, examinations, or other academic activities due to delayed disbursements.
The education loan scheme, which was introduced to promote equity and access to higher education, continues to be a significant part of the federal government’s plan to support Nigerian students and reduce financial barriers in the tertiary education system.
Since its inception, NELFUND has continued to expand its operations, improving the efficiency of its online platform to accommodate thousands of applicants nationwide. Education analysts have praised the initiative, noting that if properly managed, it could significantly boost enrolment rates and relieve families struggling with rising tuition costs.
With the new academic session approaching, many expect an increase in the number of applications as students across Nigeria seek financial relief to continue their education.
