The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students in tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency said the application window will open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The statement said fresh students are advised to apply using their admission number or JAMB registration number in place of a matriculation number.
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NELFUND also appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding and flexibility with registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.
“Institutional authorities are encouraged to demonstrate understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement,” the statement read.
It added that institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally notify NELFUND and submit their approved academic calendars to allow for scheduling flexibility.
“Institutions are also urged to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the agency said.
The federal government-backed loan scheme is part of efforts to enhance access to higher education and reduce the financial burden on students in public tertiary institutions.
