Deborah Akwa

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<p>The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, scheduled to run from 23 October 2025 to 31st January 2026.</p>

<p>This is contained in a statement signed by <strong>Oseyemi Oluwatuyi</strong>, Director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND. He expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions across Nigeria and called for further collaboration to ensure a smooth loan process for all eligible students.</p>

<h2><strong>What Is Nelfund?</strong></h2>

<p>NELFUND is a government-backed student loan programme which was created according to the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its sole purpose is to provide interest-free student loans to help indigent Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics or colleges) pay their school fees and upkeep costs.</p>

<h3><strong>Who Is Eligible to Apply?</strong></h3>

<p>Before applying to the NELFUND loan, you must ensure you meet these key requirements:</p>

<ol><li><p>You must be a Nigerian citizen.</p></li><li><p>You must be enrolled in a public tertiary institution, whether a university, polytechnic, or college of education.</p></li><li><p>You need to have a valid <strong>National Identification Number (NIN) </strong>and <strong>Bank Verification Number (BVN)</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Your tertiary institution must be recognised and approved under NELFUND’s guidelines.</p></li><li><p>You must be registered with the<strong> Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)</strong>, which is a criterion to be admitted into a tertiary institution, and your academic status must also be verifiable and accurate.</p></li></ol>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/how-to-get-tin-number-in-nigeria-2025100614430199591"><strong>How to Get Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) Online in Nigeria: Complete Step-by-Step Guide [2025]</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>How to Apply and Get Approved Nelfund [Step-By-Step Guide]</strong></h2>

<p>Here&rsquo;s a simple step-by-step process of everything you need to do from start to finish when applying for a NELFUND student loan in 2025:</p>

<h3>Step 1: Visit the Nelfund Portal</h3>

<p>Head over to <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.nelf.gov.ng/">www.nelf.gov.ng</a> and click on <i>“Apply Now.”</i> Make sure you’re using the official website because there are lots of fake pages on the internet pretending to be NELFUND. Triple-check the URL before entering any of your details.</p>

<h3>Step 2: Register or Create an Account</h3>

<p>Click on <i>“Get Started”</i>, fill in your email, create a password, and confirm that you’re a Nigerian. Once you’re done, verify your email through the link that will be sent to your inbox.</p>

<p><strong>NB</strong>: Ensure you onboard an active email address to enable receiving important updates.</p>

<h3>Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility and Onboard Your Personal Information</h3>

<p>Enter your personal details such as your full name, NIN, BVN, date of birth, address, and <strong>phone number</strong>. During this process, ensure every detail matches what is on your official documents; any spelling error or mismatch can lead to rejection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/nelfund-86bn-student-loan-disbursement-icpc-house-probe-2025081512544478219"><strong>₦86bn disbursed to 449,000 students — NELFUND boss</strong></a></p>

<h3>Step 4: Enter Educational Details</h3>

<p>Before proceeding to the next step, you need to verify and confirm that your institution has uploaded your student details to the NELFUND portal, as some schools experience delays in the verification process. When this has been done, you can proceed.</p>

<p>Next step, select your school from the list of approved public tertiary institutions. Fill in your matriculation number, JAMB registration number, and upload your admission letter.</p>

<h3>Step 5: Choose the Loan Type and Amount</h3>

<p>You will need to select the type of loan you’re applying for. It can either cover only the tuition fee or include an upkeep allowance to support your daily expenses.</p>

<p><strong>Quick tip</strong>: Apply only for what you truly need because sometimes asking for upkeep when you don’t truly qualify for it might delay or reduce your chances of approval.</p>

<h3>Step 6: Upload the Required Documents</h3>

<p>Upload all the required documents. Documents like your admission letter, student ID card, school fee invoice, and a valid means of identification are usually requested. Ensure that all scanned documents and photos are clear, not blurry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/nelfund-boss-reacts-to-alleged-fraud-in-student-loan-scheme-gives-account-2025050319420471944"><strong>NELFund boss reacts to alleged fraud in student loan scheme, gives account</strong></a></p>

<h2>Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application</h2>

<p>Before clicking on submit, carefully read through the terms and conditions. You&rsquo;ll also be asked to agree to the Global Standing Instruction (GSI), which authorises repayment once you start earning. When you&rsquo;re certain everything is correct, go ahead and submit your form. Incomplete forms can be rejected.</p>

<h2>Step 8: Monitor Your Application Status</h2>

<p>After submitting the form, log in to your dashboard regularly and check the &ldquo;Loans&rdquo; or &ldquo;Status&rdquo; section for updates on whether your application is being reviewed, approved, or declined.</p>

<p><strong>Quick Tip</strong>: Don’t panic if you’ve seen that your application has been rejected. Sometimes, it's an issue that needs to be rectified by you; the portal usually states the reason. When you see the reason, just correct the issue and reapply.</p>

<h2>Step 9: Disbursement of the Money</h2>

<p>If the loan is approved, NELFUND will send your tuition fees directly to your school, while upkeep funds (if approved) will be transferred to your personal account during the academic session. Sometimes, disbursement may take some time due to verification by both NELFUND and your school.</p>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/nelfund-may-increase-naira20000-student-loan-stipend-due-to-economic-realities-2024092616102116448"><strong>NELFUND may increase ₦20,000 student loan stipends due to economic realities</strong></a></p>

<h2>What Does the Nelfund Loan Cover</h2>

<ul><li><p><strong>Tuition Fees</strong>: When the loan is approved, the funds are paid directly to your school.</p></li><li><p><strong>Upkeep or living allowance</strong>: You may qualify for extra funds to help cover rent, food, transport, etc.</p></li></ul>

<p><strong>Note</strong>: The upkeep funds are approved and disbursed only during active academic sessions to avoid duplicate payments.</p>

<h2>Repayment Process (When &amp; How)</h2>

<ul><li><p>You’ll begin repayment of the loan two years after completing NYSC (or after graduation if NYSC doesn’t apply).</p></li><li><p>The NELFUND loan is interest-free, but you must pay it back.</p></li><li><p>Repayments are generally deducted through PAYE (Pay As You Earn) or via self-employment arrangements.</p></li></ul>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/nelfund-clears-22-more-institutions-for-student-loan-full-list-2024092616003201070"><strong>NELFUND clears 22 more institutions for student loan [FULL LIST]</strong></a></p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nelfund 2025 Student Loan</h2>

<h3>1) Can Nigerian Students in Private Universities Apply for the Loan?</h3>

<p>No, they can&rsquo;t. For now, NELFUND loans are only available to students in public tertiary institutions owned by federal or state governments.</p>

<h3>2) How Long Does It Take to Get Approval?</h3>

<p>There&rsquo;s no fixed time, but the process usually depends on how fast your institution and NELFUND verify your information. What you can do is to frequently check their portal dashboard for updates.</p>

<h3>3) How Do I Repay the Loan if I Don’t Get a Job Immediately After Graduation?</h3>

<p>If you&rsquo;re unemployed or still looking for a job, you won&rsquo;t be required to start repayment yet. But once you start earning, deductions will automatically begin.</p>

<h3>4) If My First Application Is Rejected, Can I Reapply?</h3>

<p>Yes, you can. The NELFUND portal usually states the reason for rejection (for example, wrong details or missing documents). Once you correct the issue, you can immediately reapply.</p>

<h3>5) Is There an Application Deadline for 2025?</h3>

<p>As of now, the agency stated that the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.</p>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/rush-hour-as-60000-students-apply-for-fgs-student-loan-2024072705150361594"><strong>Students rush for financial aid as over 60,000 apply for Tinubu's loan</strong></a></p>

How to easily apply and get approved for a NELFUND Student Loan in Nigeria

Here’s an easy, clear, step-by-step guide to NELFUND 2025/2026 academic session, how to apply, qualify, and get your student loan in Nigeria.

Nelfund 2025: How to Easily Apply and Get Approved for a Student Loan in Nigeria

Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The Federal Government has approved a ₦75 billion loan scheme with a nine percent interest rate for 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Scheduled for launch in 2025, this scheme aims to foster economic growth by targeting women and youth-owned enterprises, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies.</p>

<p>Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji<strong> Mohammed Idris,</strong> outlined the project’s goals at a town hall meeting in Abuja, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. </p>

<p>He remarked,<em> "This scheme is a concrete manifestation of Tinubu’s commitment to economic transformation. By focusing on MSMEs, which are the backbone of our economy, we aim to diversify income streams, boost exports, and provide valuable job opportunities."</em></p>

<p><strong>READ ALSO: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/heres-how-tinubu-plans-to-use-student-loan-to-fight-corruption/b0ec63g"><strong>Here's how Tinubu plans to use student loan to fight corruption</strong></a></p>

<p>The loan, a joint effort among the Federal Government, the Bank of Industry (BOI), and state governments, offers single-digit interest rates with individual loans capped at ₦1 million. </p>

<p>This move is expected to alleviate some of the challenges MSMEs face, particularly high production costs due to recent fuel subsidy removals. The BOI’s Enugu Branch Head, Mrs <strong>Anuli Akabogu, </strong>highlighted this during a session in Enugu, saying, <em>“The government understands the burdens MSMEs face; this fund is intended to ease the cost of production.”</em></p>

<p>At the sensitisation event in Akwa Ibom, Commissioner for Trade &amp; Investment, Mr J<strong>ohn James,</strong> urged beneficiaries to prudently utilise the loan. </p>

<p><em>"This is an opportunity to scale your businesses responsibly. MSMEs drive economies globally, and we want the same for Nigeria," </em>he said.</p>

<p><strong>READ ALSO: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/tinubu-making-efforts-to-reduce-cost-of-living-enrich-citizens-fg/d45kbzk"><strong>Tinubu making efforts to reduce cost of living, enrich citizens – FG</strong></a></p>

<p>To reach potential recipients, government agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and other partners have joined efforts, touring the nation to inform business owners of the application criteria. </p>

<p>In Kaduna, Governor <strong>Uba Sani</strong>, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, praised President Tinubu's dedication to economic empowerment. </p>

<p>He noted, <em>"This initiative proves Tinubu is a leader who listens to the needs of Nigerians. Through this, MSMEs will revitalize not just the local economy but bolster our national strength."</em></p>

<p>BOI officials also stressed the importance of following the correct application procedures. <strong>Tola Adekunle-Johnson</strong>, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, cautioned applicants against fraud. </p>

<p><em>"This loan has a fixed interest rate with no hidden fees. Visit any BOI branch to apply directly; don't fall victim to middlemen,"</em> he advised.</p>

<p>The scheme requires applicants to present key documents, including a federal civil service guarantor, to qualify. </p>

<p>Mr <strong>Michael Agidani,</strong> BOI manager in Ogun State, shared that the bank has already begun disbursing loans, with an initial ₦1 billion reaching MSMEs in the state.</p>

<p>As the rollout begins, the initiative’s reach is expected to improve national economic resilience, expand export capacities, and fulfil Tinubu’s vision of a revitalised Nigerian economy.</p>

Federal government has begun sensitisation in some states over the ₦75 billion loan scheme. [Original/Pulse Nigeria]

The Federal Government has approved a ₦75 billion loan scheme with a nine percent interest rate for 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

FG approves ₦75bn single-digit interest loans for SMEs nationwide

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