NELFUND Opens Student Loan for 2025/2026 Academic Session — Everything You Need to Know (Full Guide)

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or reading education news in Nigeria lately, you’ve probably heard about NELFUND and the student loan scheme that’s been causing a buzz across universities.

For many students, this is a dream come true — finally, an opportunity to pursue higher education without the constant struggle of tuition and levies. But if you’re like most students, you’re probably asking:

“How exactly do I apply?”
“Who is qualified?”
“Is it really interest-free?”

Don’t worry — I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this post, I’ll break everything down into simple, conversational bits so you know exactly how to take advantage of the NELFUND Student Loan for the 2024/2026 academic session.

Grab a cup of tea and let’s go step by step. ☕

What exactly is NELFUND?

Let’s start from the top.

NELFUND stands for Nigerian Education Loan Fund — a government-backed initiative created under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act signed into law in 2024.

The goal is simple:

To help Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions access education without being held back by financial challenges.

This fund is designed as a revolving loan scheme, meaning money given out to students today will be repaid and used again to help others in the future. It’s an interest-free loan meant to cover tuition and essential study costs — and yes, it’s real!

Why the Student Loan Scheme Matters

Let’s be honest: school fees in Nigeria have been skyrocketing lately — from tuition to hostel charges and even departmental levies. For many families, it’s becoming a real burden.

NELFUND is the government’s way of saying, “We see the struggle, and we want to make education more accessible.”

If properly implemented, this loan will:

Reduce dropout rates caused by financial hardship
Encourage more students to pursue higher education
Build a fairer and more educated society

The Big Announcement: NELFUND Opens Portal for 2024/2026

In May 2024, NELFUND officially launched its online portal at https://portal.nelf.gov.ng.

That was the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian students. The platform is now open again for students enrolling for the 2024/2026 academic session, and applications are being accepted for those in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The process is digital, transparent, and designed to be stress-free (if you follow the right steps).

Who Can Apply for NELFUND Student Loan?

Before you rush to the portal, let’s see if you qualify.

You are eligible if:
✅ You are a Nigerian citizen with a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
✅ You are a student in a public tertiary institution (federal or state university, polytechnic, or college of education).
✅ You have completed your school’s registration and have a valid matriculation or student ID number.
✅ Your institution is verified and recognized by NELFUND.

⚠️ Note: Private university students are not yet eligible as of this academic session, though future phases may include them.

Documents You’ll Need Before You Apply

Before diving into the portal, gather these documents:

Your National Identification Number (NIN)
A valid school ID card
A recent passport photo
Matriculation or admission letter
Your personal email address and phone number
Bank details (some schools disburse through institutional e-wallets)

Having these ready will make the process super smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan

Alright, now to the real deal. Here’s the complete step-by-step process for applying.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to https://portal.nelf.gov.ng or https://nelf.gov.ng.

⚠️ Beware of fake sites. Always double-check that you’re on the official government domain.

Step 2: Create an Account

Click on “Get Started” or “Apply Now” and sign up using your email, NIN, and phone number.

You’ll get a verification email or SMS — confirm it to proceed.

Step 3: Fill in Your Personal Information

Provide accurate details such as your:

Full name
Date of birth
Institution name
Faculty and department
Matric number

Make sure everything matches your school and NIN records — even small errors can delay your approval.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

Attach your scanned ID card, passport photo, and any verification letter required by your school.

Tip 💡: Upload clear images — blurry or cropped documents can cause rejection.

Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application

Go over every detail carefully before hitting “Submit.”

Once submitted, you’ll receive a reference number — screenshot or print it. You’ll need it for follow-up.

Step 6: Wait for School Verification

This part is crucial. After you submit, your school’s NELFUND desk or Student Affairs office will verify your information.

If your school doesn’t verify on time, your application could be delayed or rejected.

So, don’t just wait — visit your school’s NELFUND verification office and confirm that your details have been sent.

Step 7: Disbursement of Funds

Once verified and approved, funds are credited to your student e-wallet, managed by your institution.

From there, it can be used to pay tuition, levies, or other approved charges. Some institutions handle disbursement directly through the bursary.

When Will You Receive the Loan?

Good question.

While processing time may vary by institution, once approved, disbursement usually happens in batches. Some universities reported first disbursement batches arriving within 2–4 weeks after verification.

Always check your school’s NELFUND noticeboard or bursary department for updates.

Repayment Terms (Don’t Panic!)

Here’s the part that gets everyone nervous — repayment.

The good news is:

You don’t start paying immediately.
Repayment begins two years after your NYSC service year.
There’s no interest rate — it’s completely interest-free.

This gives you enough time to settle into your career or job before repayment starts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over 30% of applicants in the first phase faced avoidable issues. Don’t fall into the same trap. Here’s what to watch out for:

❌ Wrong NIN or mismatched data — ensure your NIN matches your school and BVN data.
❌ Blurry or incomplete document uploads.
❌ Using unverified email addresses that you no longer access.
❌ Failing to follow up with your school for verification.
❌ Waiting till the deadline — the portal often closes without notice once the quota is filled.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Application

Apply early — don’t wait until everyone rushes at the last minute.
Use a laptop or PC for better visibility of all form fields.
Save your application reference number somewhere safe.
Follow NELFUND’s official social media pages for announcements.
Keep checking your email for verification or approval updates.

What Happens After Graduation?

After graduation and NYSC, you’ll enter the repayment phase.

The government has promised a flexible repayment plan, so deductions will be manageable. The aim isn’t to burden you but to ensure others can also benefit in the future.

Think of it as paying it forward. 🙌

What Students Are Saying

Many students who applied during the first window in 2024 have shared mixed but encouraging experiences:

“It took about three weeks after my school verified me before I got the confirmation.” — Adamu, UNILORIN student

“The process was straightforward once I had my documents ready.” — Blessing, UNIBEN student

So, while there are a few hiccups here and there, the system is working — and that’s a big step forward for Nigeria’s education sector.

How to Contact NELFUND

If you run into issues, reach out directly:

Website: https://nelf.gov.ng
Portal: https://portal.nelf.gov.ng
Support Email: support@nelf.gov.ng (check official portal for current contact)
Social Media: Follow @NELFUND on X (Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the NELFUND Student Loan is one of the most impactful education initiatives Nigeria has launched in years.

For students who dream big but struggle financially, this is your chance.