In a striking demonstration of student reliance on government-backed financial aid, the University of Maiduguri has emerged as the top institution with the highest number of NELFUND loan applications as of October 2025. The latest data from the National Educational Loan Fund indicates that northern universities dominate the application landscape, highlighting the urgent demand for financial support and the persistent educational inequalities across Nigeria. A total of 451,535 successful applications were recorded nationwide in October alone, reflecting the growing significance of the fund in ensuring students can access and complete their higher education. Since its launch in May 2024, NELFUND has disbursed over ₦116 billion in tuition and upkeep loans, establishing itself as a vital lifeline for students navigating rising tuition fees and living costs.
The regional dominance of northern universities underscores the interplay of population size and economic necessity. The University of Maiduguri leads with 85,050 applications, closely followed by Bayero University, Kano with 54,419, Federal University, Dutsin‑Ma with 50,737, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria at 46,663. The University of Ilorin accounted for 44,735 applications, while the University of Jos submitted 35,913. Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto had 35,714, the Federal University of Kashere registered 34,208, Taraba State University recorded 32,030, and the University of Uyo submitted 31,826 applications. These figures clearly reflect both the large student populations in these regions and the significant financial pressures compelling students to seek support for tuition and living expenses.
For ease of reference, the top 10 institutions with the highest NELFUND applications in October 2025 are summarized in the table below:
| Rank | Institution | Number of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maiduguri | 85,050 |
| 2 | Bayero University, Kano | 54,419 |
| 3 | Federal University, Dutsin‑Ma | 50,737 |
| 4 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | 46,663 |
| 5 | University of Ilorin | 44,735 |
| 6 | University of Jos | 35,913 |
| 7 | Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto | 35,714 |
| 8 | Federal University of Kashere | 34,208 |
| 9 | Taraba State University, Jalingo | 32,030 |
| 10 | University of Uyo | 31,826 |
NELFUND was established to provide interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep, enabling students to cover accommodation, feeding, transport, and other essential living expenses. The breakdown of applications indicates that a significant proportion of students sought upkeep support, reflecting the high cost of living for students in university towns and the limited financial capacity of many households. For example, at Ahmadu Bello University, over half of the applications were dedicated to maintenance, signaling the critical need for assistance beyond tuition.
The concentration of applications in northern universities also highlights broader socio-economic patterns. Regions like Maiduguri, Kano, and Sokoto not only have larger student populations but also face significant financial challenges, making the NELFUND program indispensable. Meanwhile, institutions in the southern region, such as the University of Uyo, demonstrate that while the intensity of demand may be lower, the need for financial support is widespread across the country.
Despite its success, NELFUND faces ongoing challenges, particularly in verification and sustainability. Delays in student verification can stall disbursement, and the rapid increase in applications demands careful financial management to ensure the fund continues to meet growing demand. Additionally, the concentration of applications in certain regions raises questions about equitable access, while long-term repayment structures must be carefully monitored to maintain the program’s sustainability.
