NELFUND Loans: Top Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities with Highest Student Applications as of November 2025

Nigeria’s NELFUND student loan programme has quickly become one of the most impactful education support initiatives in the country. Providing interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep, the scheme has disbursed over ₦116 billion since its launch on May 24, 2024, helping students navigate rising tuition fees, living costs, and economic pressures. In October 2025 alone, 451,535 applications were successfully processed, reflecting strong demand across the nation.

The programme has emerged as a lifeline for Nigerian students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic progress. Below is a detailed look at the top ten universities with the highest NELFUND loan applications as of October 2025, along with brief institutional profiles.

1. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno – 85,050 Applications
UNIMAID is a federal university in northeastern Nigeria, established in 1975. It offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across faculties such as sciences, humanities, and medical sciences. The university’s student population heavily utilizes NELFUND loans, highlighting its importance in supporting education in the region.

2. Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – 54,419 Applications
Established in 1975, BUK is one of northern Nigeria’s premier institutions, offering programmes in science, arts, law, and social sciences. The university has a large student body that increasingly depends on NELFUND for tuition and upkeep support.

3. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina – 50,737 Applications
FUDMA, founded in 2011, is a young but fast-growing federal university with faculties in agriculture, science, education, and management. The high number of loan applications demonstrates the scheme’s growing relevance among northern students.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – 46,663 Applications
Founded in 1962, ABU is one of Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious universities. Known for excellence in research, technology, and medical education, ABU students are active participants in the NELFUND loan scheme, reflecting the university’s large enrollment.

5. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 44,735 Applications
UNILORIN, established in 1975, offers a wide array of programmes in education, law, engineering, and health sciences. The university’s students extensively leverage NELFUND loans to support both tuition and daily living expenses.

6. University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau – 35,913 Applications
Founded in 1975, UNIJOS is a federal institution offering programmes across science, humanities, and professional courses. Students rely on NELFUND to ensure uninterrupted studies amid financial challenges.

7. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), Sokoto – 35,714 Applications
UDUS, established in 1975, provides education in science, social sciences, law, and arts. The university has recorded consistent participation in NELFUND, reflecting the growing reliance on government-backed education support.

8. Federal University of Kashere (FUKashere), Gombe – 34,208 Applications
Founded in 2011, FUKashere is a federal university focusing on science, technology, and education. The institution’s students have actively applied for NELFUND loans to offset tuition and upkeep expenses.

9. Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo – 32,030 Applications
TSU, established in 2008, provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in sciences, arts, and management. The university ranks among the top beneficiaries of NELFUND due to its growing student population.

10. University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom – 31,826 Applications
UNIUYO, founded in 1991, operates across multiple campuses offering more than 90 programmes. The university recorded 15,605 upkeep loan applications, emphasizing the scheme’s role in supporting southern Nigerian students.

Impact of NELFUND on Nigerian Students
The NELFUND loan programme is helping students across the country overcome financial hurdles, ensuring they remain enrolled and focused on their studies. By providing both tuition and living allowances, the scheme also promotes financial literacy and responsibility among young Nigerians.

Regional trends indicate higher uptake in northern universities, though southern institutions like UNIUYO are also active participants. As the programme expands, it continues to be a vital tool for improving access to higher education and empowering students nationwide.