NELFUND Opens 2025/2026 Student Loan Application Portal, Urges Schools to Allow Flexibility
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its online application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, enabling students across tertiary institutions to access financial assistance for their studies.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the application period will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Oluwatuyi explained that fresh students are expected to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number, while returning students should use their institutional matriculation details.
The agency appealed to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to exercise flexibility with registration and fee payment deadlines, especially for students awaiting loan approval or disbursement.
“Institutional authorities are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement,” the statement read.
It further advised institutions yet to begin their 2025/2026 academic sessions to formally notify NELFUND of their approved academic calendars to allow scheduling adjustments for loan processing.
“NELFUND appeals to all institutions 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 statement added.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and reducing financial barriers for Nigerian students through structured loan support.
