The management of several Nigerian tertiary institutions has issued an important directive to all newly admitted students regarding the application process for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme. The notice, aimed at ensuring smooth access to the federal student loan initiative, outlines key steps, eligibility requirements, and payment procedures for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Newly Admitted Students to Wait for Matriculation Numbers Before Applying
According to the circular, newly admitted students are strongly advised not to commence their NELFUND loan applications until their matriculation numbers have been officially issued by their respective institutions. This measure, the statement noted, is to ensure proper verification and to prevent application delays or rejections due to incomplete institutional data.
The directive emphasized that both returning and new students are eligible for the NELFUND loan but must follow the prescribed procedures carefully to avoid disqualification or processing errors.
Loan Structure: Upkeep Allowance and School Charges
The NELFUND student loan is divided into two major components:
- Upkeep Allowance:
This is a monthly stipend meant to assist students with living expenses. The fund disburses ₦20,000 monthly directly into the student’s personal bank account. However, only students who opt for this component during the application process will receive the allowance. - School Charges:
The second component covers institutional fees such as tuition and other mandatory charges. Payments for this category are made directly to the beneficiary’s school account by NELFUND.
The notice further clarified that students who may have already paid their school fees before NELFUND disbursement would be refunded once the fund credits the institution.
Part Payment Requirement Before Disbursement
Due to expected delays in loan processing and verification, institutions have advised students to make at least 50% part payment of their total approved school charges to enable them to proceed with registration and other academic activities.
This payment, the notice assured, will be fully refunded to affected students once the federal government, through NELFUND, releases the full school charges to the institution’s account.
Application Procedure
Applicants are to visit the official NELFUND application portal at portal.nelf.gov.ng to begin their registration once all required personal and institutional details are available.
During the process, students will be required to provide their:
- JAMB Registration Number
- Matriculation Number (for new students)
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- Institution and Departmental Details
Applicants are strongly encouraged to cross-check all entries carefully, as incorrect details could result in processing delays or outright rejection.
Guidelines and Institutional Support
Institutions have been directed to set up dedicated Loan Support Desks or Bursary Units to assist students who may experience challenges during the loan application or disbursement process.
Students are also reminded that the upkeep allowance is optional and should only be selected by those who genuinely require it. Additionally, institutions will communicate further updates through official portals and notice boards once NELFUND begins fund release for the 2025/2026 session.
Conclusion
The federal government’s student loan initiative under NELFUND is designed to promote inclusive access to higher education by reducing financial barriers faced by Nigerian students. However, universities are urging students to strictly follow the official steps outlined to prevent unnecessary complications during the process.
As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, key questions remain:
Will NELFUND meet the expectations of timely disbursement to students across all institutions? How effectively will schools coordinate refunds for those who make early payments? And most importantly, will this new loan system succeed in bridging Nigeria’s long-standing education finance gap?
Direct Application Link: Apply for NELFUND Student Loan Here
