NELFUND Instructs Tertiary Institutions to Update Student Data Ahead of 2025/2026 Student Loan Application Window

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially directed all accredited tertiary institutions across the country to begin updating and uploading student records on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This directive comes ahead of the opening of the 2025/2026 academic session loan application window for Nigerian students.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, emphasized that the new exercise is crucial for ensuring a seamless verification and loan application process for students across all higher institutions.

Institutions Directed to Upload Accurate Student Records

According to Oluwatuyi, tertiary institutions are required to ensure that every student’s details are accurately uploaded using verifiable identifiers such as admission numbers. The move is aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency in processing student loan applications for the upcoming academic session.

She explained that the update is part of the Fund’s continuous efforts to simplify access to student loans and prevent unnecessary delays caused by inaccurate or incomplete student data.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on all accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria to commence the update and upload of student records on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal in preparation for the opening of the 2025/2026 academic session loan application window. This exercise is designed to facilitate a smooth and efficient verification and loan application process for students,” the statement read.

Only Verified Students Can Apply for the Education Loan

NELFUND further clarified that only students whose records have been verified and uploaded by their institutions will be eligible to apply for the education loan.

The Fund urged all institutions to promptly complete the data upload process and assign responsible officers to oversee the exercise, following the technical guidelines provided. This step will help ensure that no qualified student is left out of the financial aid opportunity.

The statement added: “Only students whose records have been verified and uploaded by their respective institutions will be eligible to apply for the education loan. NELFUND therefore urges institutions to complete the data upload process promptly and designate responsible officers to oversee the exercise in accordance with the provided technical guidelines.”

Strengthening Collaboration Between NELFUND and Tertiary Institutions

Oluwatuyi reiterated that NELFUND remains committed to collaborating closely with universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria to expand access to quality higher education.

She noted that the partnership between the Fund and tertiary institutions is vital to ensuring that every eligible student benefits from the Education Loan Scheme.

“This collaboration is essential to ensure that no qualified student is excluded as the Fund prepares to open its loan application portal for the new academic session,” she stated.

How Institutions Can Reach NELFUND

To ensure a smooth and coordinated process, NELFUND encouraged institutions to reach out for any form of technical assistance or clarification through its official communication channels:

• Email: data@nelf.gov.ng
• X (Twitter): @nelfund
• Instagram: @nelfund
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND
• Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

Background: NELFUND’s Continuous Commitment to Student Welfare

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has been proactive in recent months, reopening its loan verification portal for the 2024/2025 academic session and resuming upkeep allowance disbursements to eligible students.

Earlier this year, the Fund disbursed over ₦86.3 billion to support students across various tertiary institutions, reaffirming its dedication to providing financial relief and promoting educational equality nationwide.

As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, NELFUND’s renewed effort to streamline student data management is expected to reduce bottlenecks and enhance the efficiency of its loan disbursement system.

This latest directive reinforces the agency’s focus on transparency, accountability, and equal access to higher education funding for all deserving Nigerian students.