Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reopened its student loan portal for the 2024/2025 academic session, offering both fresh and returning students another opportunity to apply for interest-free loans to aid their studies.
Portal Reopens Amid High Demand
According to official announcements, the application window for the 2024/2025 cycle officially opened on February 22, 2025.This launch follows the closure of the 2023/2024 cycle on February 21, 2025.
Students are encouraged to visit the official NELFUND portal (portal.nelf.gov.ng) to submit their applications. The portal is designed to streamline the registration and application process, with features such as verification steps for nationality, educational status, and banking information.
In a statement, Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr emphasized the importance of submitting complete and accurate information for faster processing.
How to Apply: Key Steps
Here’s a simplified guide for prospective applicants:
1. Visit the NELFUND Website: Access nelf.gov.ng or the student loan portal at portal.nelf.gov.ng.
2. Begin Registration: Click “Apply Now” or “Get Started.”
3. Verify Identity & Student Status: Confirm Nigerian nationality, input matriculation number, and verify via JAMB or institutional records.
4. Provide Banking Details: Applicants must supply a valid bank account and BVN information.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload your admission letter, student ID (if available), and institutional invoice.
6. Review & Submit: Confirm all data and agree to terms before final submission.
7. Monitor Your Application: Log in periodically to check status updates.
NELFUND notes that incomplete or mismatched information, particularly in banking details, is a frequent cause of disqualifications or delays.
Previous Cycle: Scale & Disbursement
During the 2023/2024 academic year, NELFUND processed an estimated 364,042 applications over 229 days, which averaged about 1,000 applications per day. Of those, over ₦22 billion was disbursed to cover institutional fees across 240 institutions and provide upkeep support to 169,114 students.
By August 2025, cumulative disbursements had risen sharply: ₦86,347,458,384 had been distributed to 449,039 students. That sum included ₦47,629,338,384 directed to institutions (tuition and fees), and ₦38,718,120,000 given as upkeep allowances.
Challenges & Warnings
While the reopening of the portal brings hope to many, NELFUND has cautioned the public against using unauthorized or fraudulent links. The agency has confirmed that only its official domain (nelf.gov.ng or portal.nelf.gov.ng) is valid for application.
Earlier, fake links had circulated on social media claiming to be the registration portal, urging students to submit personal and banking details. These were flagged as scams by the agency. ([Africa Check][8])
Students are advised to procure information only from NELFUND’s recognized channels and avoid third-party sites asking for payments or “fast-tracking” fees.
What Students Should Know
Fresh and Returning Students: Both categories are eligible to apply in this cycle. ([Facebook][9])
Session-based Application: Funds do not carry over between sessions—students must apply afresh each academic year.
Institutional Verification: Schools must confirm students’ enrollment before funds are released. Delays often originate from slow institutional response.
Banking Requirements: Only verifiable bank accounts are acceptable. Mismatches or the use of non-traditional banking services may lead to rejection.
Timely Submission: Since many applications come in at once, delays can occur in processing. Early submission helps avoid last-minute issues.
0 Comments