The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session student loan to February 27, 2026.
This follows the original closing date of January 31, 2026, with the extension announced in a statement from the fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, on January 29, 2026, in Abuja.
The decision aims to provide prospective applicants more time to complete and submit their applications, ensuring no eligible student is excluded due to timing issues. NELFUND’s Managing Director and CEO, Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized that the move underscores the fund’s dedication to inclusivity and access to higher education.
“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. We understand that some applicants may require additional time to complete their submissions, and this decision ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair opportunity to benefit from the Fund,” Sawyerr stated.
The portal for this application cycle opened on October 23, 2025. NELFUND urged all yet-to-apply students or those with incomplete submissions to act promptly before the new deadline. Updates will be shared via official channels.
The NELFUND scheme, established under the Access to Higher Education Act (signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2024), offers interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions for tuition (institutional charges) and, in some cases, upkeep/maintenance.
Repayment begins two years after NYSC completion, tied to employment status. The fund has disbursed billions in previous cycles, supporting hundreds of thousands of students.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for NELFUND Loan
The application is fully online via the official NELFUND portal. It typically takes 15-30 minutes if documents are ready.
The process is open to eligible students (new and returning) in public Nigerian tertiary institutions (federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, etc.). Institutions must have uploaded student records for verification.
Confirm Your Eligibility
You must be:
• A Nigerian citizen.
• A full-time student in a public tertiary institution in Nigeria.
• Have valid admission (with JAMB registration number for fresh students or matriculation number for returning students).
• Possess required identifiers: National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and proof of admission/student ID.
Your institution should have verified and uploaded your details to NELFUND’s student verification portal.
Prepare Required Documents and Information
Gather: JAMB registration number (fresh students) or matriculation number (returning students).
•Admission letter (scanned copy, compulsory for new students).
• Student ID card (scanned, optional but recommended).
•NIN and BVN details.
•Date of birth, institution name, and other personal details.
Ensure scans are clear and legible.
Visit the Official NELFUND Portal
Go to the main NELFUND website at https://nelf.gov.ng/ or directly to the student loan portal at https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/.
Look for the prominent “Apply Now”, “Request for Student Loan”, or “Get Started” button on the homepage.
Create an Account or Register
Click to start registration.
Applicants are required to confirm their nationality by selecting “Yes, I am a Nigerian.”
They must provide a valid email address and create a password or log in if they already have an account.
The portal may also prompt applicants to create a profile using their NIN, email address, or other required details.
Verify Your Educational and Student Information
•Enter your institution name, JAMB registration number (or matriculation number/admission number).
•Verify with JAMB (the system authenticates details automatically).
•Confirm your student status and other educational info.
This step ensures your records match NELFUND’s database (via your institution’s upload).
Complete the Loan Application Form
Applicants are required to fill in their personal details, educational history, and loan preferences.
They must specify whether the loan is for institutional charges only or for institutional charges plus upkeep allowance.
Applicants are also required to upload all necessary documents such as the admission letter.
All entered information should be reviewed carefully before submission.
Submit Your Application
After completing the steps, submit the application. You will receive a confirmation (via email or dashboard).
NELFUND reviews applications, with disbursement typically within 30 days of approval for successful ones.
Track Your Application and Await Feedback
Applicants should track their application and await feedback after submission.
They are advised to log back into their portal account regularly to monitor the application status.
If any issues arise, such as verification errors, applicants should contact NELFUND support through the appropriate help channels.
Approved loans are disbursed directly to the institution for fees and to the applicant’s account for upkeep where applicable.
Applicants should apply early to avoid last-minute issues, ensure all data is accurate, and monitor official NELFUND channels (website, verified social media) for any updates.
The loan is interest-free with no hidden charges, aimed at easing financial barriers for low-income students. For the latest details, visit https://nelf.gov.ng/ or https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/ directly.
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