Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced October 23, 2025, as the official opening date for the 2025/2026 student loan application window, with access remaining open until January 31, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, said the three-month window will enable both fresh and returning students in accredited Nigerian institutions to apply through the agency’s digital portal.
She noted that the scheme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating financial barriers to higher education.
“This initiative ensures that no qualified Nigerian is denied university or polytechnic education due to financial hardship,” Oluwatuyi stated.
NELFUND urged institutions to update student data on the Student Verification Portal to guarantee smooth loan processing. Universities and polytechnics were also advised to adopt flexible registration policies for applicants awaiting fund disbursement.
The Fund added that first-year students without matriculation numbers can apply using their JAMB Registration or Admission Numbers.
The agency reiterated its dedication to transparency, urging schools to forward their academic calendars to support coordinated loan processing.
“We encourage institutions to cooperate fully, so no student misses a semester due to funding delays,” Oluwatuyi said.
The ongoing loan cycle advances the Federal Government’s education financing reform, ensuring equal learning opportunities and bridging Nigeria’s student funding gap.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 