Latest News on NELFUND Student Loan Approval, Disbursement Today, October 21, 2025

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, marking a major step toward expanding access to higher education funding across the country.

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

According to the agency, the portal will enable students of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions to apply for financial support directly through the platform.

NELFUND advised fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number, to ensure smooth processing of applications.

The agency also appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding and flexibility with registration and tuition payment deadlines, especially for students whose loan applications are still being processed.

“Institutions are encouraged to exercise flexibility in enforcing registration and payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement,” the statement read.

Furthermore, NELFUND directed institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session to formally notify the agency by submitting their approved academic calendar, to allow for proper scheduling of loan processing and disbursement.

“We urge all tertiary institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose applications are being reviewed. No student should be denied access to education due to financial constraints,” NELFUND emphasized.

This development comes as many Nigerian students anticipate the first round of loan approvals and disbursements, expected to begin shortly after the application window opens later this week.