The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, paving the way for Nigerian students in tertiary institutions to access government-backed financial support for their education.
The initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all eligible students, particularly those from low-income families.
In a statement released on Monday, NELFUND said the portal accessible via www.nelf.gov.ng is now live and open to students enrolled in federal, state, and private universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical institutions across Nigeria.
According to the Fund, the loan covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other educational expenses, ensuring that no qualified student is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
“The launch of the portal marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to democratize access to education financing,” the statement read. “All eligible students are encouraged to visit the portal, create an account, and submit their applications online.”
NELFUND explained that the loan scheme is interest-free and will be repayable two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. The repayment plan, it added, is designed to be flexible and considerate of the borrower’s income level.
Speaking during the announcement, NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the Fund is determined to ensure transparency and efficiency in the application process.
“This is a pivotal step in ensuring that financial hardship is no longer a barrier to education in Nigeria,” Sawyerr said. “We have built a user-friendly, transparent, and fully automated system to make the process seamless for students.”
He noted that NELFUND is working closely with tertiary institutions and relevant government agencies to verify applicants’ details and ensure only eligible students benefit from the programme.
Sawyerr added that the loan would not only ease the burden on parents but also help reduce dropout rates in higher institutions.
He encouraged students to review the eligibility requirements carefully before applying and to provide accurate documentation during registration.
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Education stakeholders have hailed the move as a timely intervention that could reshape Nigeria’s higher education landscape, particularly at a time of rising tuition costs.
Analysts say the scheme, if effectively managed, could help bridge the gap between access and affordability, enabling thousands of young Nigerians to complete their education and acquire skills for the modern economy.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund reiterated its commitment to sustaining the programme through effective monitoring, accountability, and periodic reviews to meet the needs of Nigerian students and the evolving demands of the education sector.