The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially launched its online student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, offering financial aid to eligible students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the application window will open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Fresh applicants are encouraged to apply using either their JAMB Registration Number or Admission Number, especially if they have not yet been issued a matriculation number.
In the statement, NELFUND called on higher institutions to show flexibility with registration deadlines and fee payment timelines for students whose loan applications are still being processed.
“Institutions are encouraged to exercise leniency regarding registration and tuition payment for applicants awaiting loan approval,” the agency stated.
It also urged schools that have yet to begin their 2025/2026 academic calendar to formally notify NELFUND with their approved academic schedules, so that appropriate adjustments can be made for their students.
To prevent students from being locked out of the education system due to financial hardship, NELFUND is advocating for temporary registration measures in all institutions.
“We appeal to schools to ensure that no student is denied access to education while their loan is being processed,” the agency emphasized.
