The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has officially announced the commencement of the application process for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session. All students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.
The application period for the NELFUND loan will begin on Monday, 27th October 2025, and will conclude on Friday, 28th November 2025. The NELFUND loan serves as a crucial resource designed to assist eligible students at LASU who require financial support to pursue their academic endeavors without interruption.
To apply for the NELFUND loan, students must visit the official NELFUND portal to complete the online application form during the designated timeframe. It is essential to note that applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed. Therefore, students are advised to act promptly and ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared in advance of submission.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) represents a significant financial institution established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024. This legislation was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on 3 April 2024, marking a pivotal advancement towards ensuring sustainable higher education and the development of functional skills for Nigerian students and youth.
The establishment of NELFUND addresses the limitations of the prior Student Loan Act of 2023, which encountered various challenges related to governance, management, loan utilization, eligibility criteria, application methodologies, loan repayment provisions, and recovery processes.
The primary aim of NELFUND is to provide financial assistance to qualified Nigerian citizens to cover tuition and associated fees, as well as living expenses during their studies at approved tertiary educational institutions and vocational training centers within Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria for NELFUND Loan
To qualify for the NELFUND loan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Nigeria.
- Be enrolled in a recognized public tertiary institution within Nigeria (the institution must be verified on the NELFUND portal).
- Possess a valid Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration and matriculation number.
- Provide a National Identification Number (NIN) if it is not linked to the JAMB registration.
- Have no record of defaulting on any previous federal student loans.
- No physical documentation or guarantors are required; the entire process is conducted online.
Procedure for Registering for the NELFUND Student Loan
The registration process is estimated to take betweeand15 to 30 minutes and is conducted online. Applicants should ensure they have stable internet access, as well as their email address, phone number, JAMB details, NIN, and scanned copies of their admission letter (required) and student ID or institution invoice (optional).
- Visit the Official Website: Access the website at www.nelf.gov.ng or directly navigate to the portal at portal.nelf.gov.ng. It is advisable to avoid fraudulent websites—always verify the URL.
- 2Initiate the Application: Click the "Apply Now" button prominently displayed on the homepage.
- Commence Registration: Select "Get Started" to create an account by entering your email address, establishing a secure password, and confirming citizenship by selecting "Yes, I am a Nigerian."
- Email Verification: Check your email inbox for a confirmation link from NELFUND and click to activate your account.
- Login and Answer Eligibility Questions: Log in with your email and password and respond to preliminary questions to verify eligibility (e.g., confirmation of student status).
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Confirm Educational Details:
1. Select your institution from the dropdown list.
Enter your matriculation number to verify if your institution has uploaded your data.
Authenticate with JAMB by clicking "Verify with JAMB" and inputting your JAMB registration number along with the corresponding year. If your NIN is not linked to your JAMB registration, you must enter your NIN for validation. - Complete Personal Information: Provide your full name, date of birth, phone number, address, and bank details (for loan disbursement). Ensure all information corresponds accurately with official records.
- Specify Loan Requirements: Indicate whether funds are required for tuition fees and optionally request a personal upkeep allowance of N20,000 monthly.
- Upload Documentatio: Upload a scanned copy of your admission letter. Inclusion of your student ID and institution invoice is optional.
- Review and Submit: Carefully verify all provided information for accuracy, then click "Submit Application." A confirmation email will be sent upon submission.
- Monitor Your Application Status: After submitting the application, log in to the portal and navigate to the "Loans" section on your dashboard to track progress. Notifications regarding approval will be communicated via email or SMS, and disbursement will occur directly to your institution’s bank account.
Important Considerations for NELFUND Applicants
- Information Accuracy: It is imperative to provide correct information to prevent application rejection or delays. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal through the contact email provided on the website.
- Adherence to Deadlines: Applications should be submitted before the deadline of January 31, 2026, for the current academic session.
- Support Services: Should any issues arise, applicants are encouraged to contact NELFUND through the portal or consult the FAQs section on the website. To date, over 850,000 students have successfully applied.
- No Application Fees: The application process is free of charge; applicants should remain vigilant against scams that may solicit fees for "assistance."
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Institutional Verification: If your institution’s details have not yet been uploaded, it is recommended to reach out to your school’s student affairs office to expedite the process.
or the latest updates, please visit the official portal.