North Leads Application Surge in September 2025 Nigeria’s Student Loan Scheme
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has released new figures showing the universities with the highest number of loan applications in September 2025, highlighting a growing demand for financial aid among students across the country.
Topping the list is the University of Maiduguri, which recorded a staggering 43,204 loan applications, making it the highest nationwide.
It is closely followed by Bayero University, Kano, with 27,736 applications, while the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma came third with 24,810 applications.
Other universities on the list include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with 23,338 applications, and the University of Ilorin, which secured 21,921 applications.
The newly renamed Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Kano also featured prominently with 15,021 applications.
From the South-South, the University of Uyo recorded 15,681 applications, while Taraba State University in the North-East followed with 14,989 applications.
The Federal University, Dutse (14,767) and the Federal University of Kashere (14,698) also made the top 10.
Completing the list are Kaduna State University with 10,163 applications, and Ekiti State University in the South-West, which received 9,739 applications.
The regional distribution shows a dominance of institutions in the North-East (NE) and North-West (NW), reflecting the financial pressures faced by students in these regions.
According to NELFUND, the surge underscores the importance of student loan schemes in bridging the gap between limited financial resources and the rising cost of education in Nigeria.
