NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026: How to Apply, Requirements, and Latest Updates
Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and national development, but for many Nigerians, the cost of higher education remains a huge obstacle. To address this challenge, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
This initiative offers interest-free student loans, ensuring that financial constraints no longer stand in the way of Nigerian students pursuing their academic dreams.
The official student loan application portal — https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/login — opened on May 24, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in educational financing for Nigerian students.
Why NELFUND Matters
For decades, thousands of brilliant students dropped out of school or never enrolled in tertiary institutions due to lack of funds. NELFUND is designed to break this cycle by:
- Providing interest-free loans to eligible students.
- Expanding access to education for all Nigerians, regardless of background.
- Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to graduate and build a career without being limited by financial struggles.
This scheme is not just about loans—it’s about empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders and professionals.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan
If you are ready to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity, here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Create Your Account
- Visit nelf.gov.ng or go directly to the loan portal at https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/login.
- Click “Apply Now.”
- Select “Get Started” and answer the initial questions.
- Confirm your Nigerian citizenship by choosing “Yes, I am a Nigerian.”
- Select your institution from the dropdown list and provide your matriculation number to verify that your details have been uploaded by your school.
- Enter your JAMB details. If your NIN is not linked to JAMB, you’ll be prompted to input your NIN for validation.
- Provide your email address and create a secure password.
- Click “Create Account.”
- Check your email inbox for a verification link and click it to complete registration.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
- Log in with your email and password.
- Update your contact details (phone number, address, state, and LGA of residence).
- Update your educational details (institution, matriculation number).
- Verify your bank details by providing your BVN, bank name, and account number.
- Save changes to finalize your profile.
Step 3: Apply for the Loan
- After logging in, click “Request for Student Loan.”
- Choose your loan type:
- Select “Upkeep Loan” if you need funds for living expenses.
- Continue without checking the box if you only need to cover tuition and institutional charges.
- Upload supporting documents:
- Mandatory: Admission letter.
- Optional: Student ID and institution invoice.
- Read through the loan overview, agree to the Terms & Conditions, and accept the GSI Mandate.
- Submit your application.
- Click on “Loans” to monitor the status of your request.
Major Expansion: NELFUND Extends to 70 State-Owned Tertiary Institutions
On July 7, 2024, NELFUND announced a major milestone — students in 70 state-owned tertiary institutions can now access interest-free loans.
These institutions successfully uploaded their student data to the NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS), granting their students immediate access to the loan portal.
This expansion ensures that more students across the country can benefit, not just those in federal universities or polytechnics.
List of Participating Institutions
Here are some of the state-owned institutions whose students can now apply for NELFUND loans:
- Abia State Polytechnic
- Adamawa State University, Mubi
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- Delta State University of Science and Technology
- Edo State University, Uzairue
- Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
- Gombe State University
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt
- Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
- Lagos State University
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Niger Delta University
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Osun State University
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina
- University of Ilesa, Osun State
- Yobe State University
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
- Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara
(Full list includes 70 institutions across Nigeria, covering polytechnics, universities, and colleges of education.)
Key Benefits of NELFUND Student Loans
- Interest-Free: You only pay back what you borrow.
- Inclusive: Now available for students in federal and state institutions.
- Flexible Support: Covers tuition fees and, if needed, upkeep allowance.
- Transparent Process: Applications are verified through the Student Verification System to ensure fairness.
Final Thoughts
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is more than just a student loan—it’s a lifeline for millions of Nigerian youths. By eliminating financial barriers, it guarantees that every student with the ambition to learn can access higher education.
If you’re a student of a participating institution, don’t miss this opportunity. Prepare your documents, follow the application steps carefully, and stay updated through the official portal: https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/login.
Education is the key to Nigeria’s future, and with NELFUND, that future is now more accessible than ever.