Latest News on NELFUND Student Loan Approval, Disbursement Today, October 22, 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.

How to apply for the 2025/2026 NELFUND student loan

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The application period runs from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

Returning students of accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Newly admitted students of accredited universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Note: Fresh students may use their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matric Number when applying.

Steps to Apply

Confirm Your Institution’s Data Upload

Ensure your school has updated and uploaded verified records of all returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This step is required before your application can be processed.

Visit the Official NELFUND Portal

Go to the official website: www.nelf.gov.ng

Complete Your Application Online

Log in to the student loan portal.

Provide accurate personal, academic, and institutional details.

Submit your application before the deadline (January 31, 2026).

Await Verification and Approval

Your school and NELFUND will verify your application details.

Once approved, loan disbursement will be processed directly in line with your academic schedule.

Important Notes

Institutions are advised to accommodate students awaiting loan disbursement by allowing temporary registration where possible, ensuring no student loses access to education due to financial constraints.

Students who have not yet commenced their academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar to help with scheduling flexibility.

Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students whose loans are still being processed.

Support & Enquiries

For technical assistance or further information, contact NELFUND through:

Email: data@nelf.gov.ng

Social Media:

X (Twitter): @nelfund

Instagram: @nelfund

Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND

Official Website: www.nelf.gov.ng