Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) – Tinubu Student Loan Portal, Application and Disbursement Guide

Martins Chima

NELFUND Student Loan Portal Initiative has come to stay in Nigeria, says the Nigerian Government. Increasing Access to Education for youths in Nigeria is one of the priorities of the government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the reason why the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was launched in 2023.

This serves as a continuation of the Student loan Program a continuation of the loan introduced by Late Mohammadu Buhari, the former Nigerian President in 2022. The NELFUND Student Loan 2025 and 2026 is going to be a blessing to both parents and students.

NELFUND Student Loan initiative is more than just a financial aid program, it was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as a symbol of hope for all Nigerian Students pursuing higher education. All the students need to do is learn how the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) works, who is eligible, and how repayment will be done.

In short, everything you need to know about the student loan and repayment is in this guide. Before you continue, take a look at some of the Best Private Student Loans for Every Type of Student we have written previously.

NELFUND Student Loan Initiative: Opening the Doors to Higher Education in Nigeria

Education is the key to personal growth and national development. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many young people struggle to further their education because of financial challenges. Every year, thousands of students drop out of school or abandon their dreams simply because they cannot afford tuition fees.

To address this problem, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023. This Act established the NELFUND Student Loan Program, a bold initiative aimed at making higher education accessible to every Nigerian, no matter their financial background.

The Student Loan Act is a law passed by the Nigerian Parliament that allows students to access interest-free loans, helping them cover tuition fees and living expenses at any higher institution of their choice within Nigeria.

The Student Loan Act replaces the Nigerian Education Bank Act and creates a new framework that provides interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students seeking admission into higher education institutions.

The loans are managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the statutory body created to oversee the Fund’s daily operations. NELFUND is led by a Managing Director appointed by the President of Nigeria.

The loan is available to students in all public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. However, the first phase is limited to students currently enrolled in, or seeking admission into, federal higher institutions. Subsequent phases covering other public institutions will be announced in due course.

What is the NELFUND Student Loan Initiative?

The NELFUND Student Loan Initiative is a government-backed program that provides interest-free loans to eligible students in Nigeria. Unlike commercial bank loans that come with high interest rates, this loan is designed to ease financial stress on students and their families.

The goal is simple:

Break down financial barriers to education
Ensure equal opportunity for all
Empower students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about money

This makes the program not just a loan scheme, but a pathway to hope, progress, and national development.

The Purpose of the Bola Tinubu Student Loan Program

The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, created this program with a clear mission:

To revolutionize higher education access across Nigeria
To provide interest-free tuition loans to qualified students
To reduce financial inequality in education
To empower young Nigerians to chase their academic and career dreams

Vision of the NELFUND Student Loan

The vision of this initiative is in perfect alignment with Nigeria’s educational goals:

“Education must be accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial status.”

Through the NELFUND Student Loan, the government aims to remove money as an obstacle to higher education. This means students can now pursue their chosen courses, graduate successfully, and contribute to the growth of the nation.

Core Objectives of the Student Loan Program

The NELFUND Student Loan Initiative is guided by four main objectives:

Facilitate Financial Access to Higher Education
- Give students a chance to pay tuition fees without stress.
Collaborate with Stakeholders for Impact
- Work with schools, financial institutions, and other partners to ensure smooth implementation.
Enable Equal Opportunity for All Nigerian Students
- Create fairness by making loans available to all qualified students, regardless of their background.
Promote Education for National Development
- Use education as a tool to build human capital and drive Nigeria’s growth.

Who Can Apply for Nigerian Education Loan Fund? (Eligibility)

Not every student will automatically qualify for the loan. To ensure fairness and proper management, certain eligibility conditions apply. These may include:

First, the applicant must be a Nigerian citizen from any state or local government area
Applicant must have gotten admission into a recognized public higher institution in Nigeria (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education)
The applicant has to come from a family with limited financial resources to further their education
Lastly, the must have met the academic performance requirements set by their institution (contact your school)

Please be informed that all the eligibility rules has officially been provided by NELFUND and partner institutions.

How the NELFUND Student Loan Works for Nigerian Students

The NELFUND website has provided a simple step-by-step breakdown of how the loan system works in their portal. However, the guide is available below to help applicants complete the loan process easily:

1. Application for NELFUND Student Loan

All Nigerian students are to apply through the official NELFUND student portal or through their schools physically.

2. Verification of Student’s Eligibility

Applications are checked to confirm eligibility, financial need, and admission status.

3. Approval of NELFUND Student Loan Disbursement

Once approved, the loan is disbursed directly to the institution to cover tuition fees.

4. What Happens During Studies

Students enjoy their education without the burden of financial stress.

5. Repayment of NELFUND Student Loan

Repayment starts two years after graduation or after securing employment.

Repayments will be structured in small, manageable deductions from the graduate’s salary.

This system ensures that students have enough time to settle into life after school before paying back.

Simple Steps to Secure Your NELFUND Student Loan

Step 1

Step 2

Click on the “Request for Student Loan” button and complete the loan application steps and submit.

Step 3

Your application will be reviewed. After successful verification, payments will be made to your institution for institutional charge, while the upkeep loan will be paid to the bank account you have provided in your profile.

NELFUND Student Loan Portal Login and Registration

On your browser, visit https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/register and you will be greeted with this message: “Welcome to the Student Loan Portal”. Other information will also appear below which reads as follow:

Interest Free Loan: No hidden charges, completely interest free
Fast & Easy: Complete student loan application within 15 – 30 minutes.
Safe & Secure: Built in security to keep all your data safe
Flexible Payment Duration: Payment of student loan begins two years after NYSC

Simply scroll down and then, click on Apply Now!

After that, simply Get started with answering these questions you will see on your screen.

Are you a Nigerian? Click on “Yes, I am a Nigerian”.
Verify your educational information: Simply select your institution and enter Matriculation Number
Verify your student status: Verify with your JAMB number
Enter your NIN: Type in your National Identification number
Enter your BVN: Type in your Bank Verification Number
Continue following the steps as they appear
Enter your email address and password you will use on the NELFUND loan login page

NELFUND Portal Login

Visit https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/login and you will see this message:

Welcome to the Student Loan Portal
Kindly provide the required details below to login
Email: Enter your email address
Password: Enter your password
Forgot your NELFUND student loan Password? Reset your password using your Email address or NIN
Don’t have an Account? You can Create New Account.

How to Apply for the NELFUND Student Loan in Nigeria

If you are a student or parent hoping to benefit from this program, here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Stay Updated with Info from NELFUND Website

Watch out for official announcements from NELFUND and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Follow trusted news outlets and government websites for updates.

2. Prepare Your Documents for NELFUND Loan Application

Admission letter from a recognized public institution
Proof of Nigerian citizenship (e.g., National ID, birth certificate)
Family income details (to show financial need)
Any other documents required by NELFUND

3. Submit Your Application for Nigerian Education Loan Fund

Applications will be made through an official NELFUND portal (to be announced).
Some institutions may also provide a direct link or support for student applications.

4. Wait for Approval of your NELFUND Loan Disbursement

Once your application is verified and approved, the loan will be disbursed directly to your school to cover tuition fees.

5. Focus on Your Studies at School

With your tuition covered, you can concentrate fully on your education without financial worries.

✅ Tip for Students: Start gathering your documents early so you don’t miss the opportunity once the portal opens.
✅ Tip for Parents: Support your children by guiding them through the application process.

Helpful Topics

Why the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Matters to Students

The importance of the NELFUND Student Loan cannot be over emphasized. For decades, financial difficulty has been a major reason why many Nigerians either drop out of school or never enroll at all. But with this program:

Students can study with peace of mind
Families face less financial stress
More Nigerians will gain access to quality education
The country will benefit from a better-educated workforce

This initiative is more than a financial program; it is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a NELFUND student loan?

To be eligible for a NELFUND student loan, you must be a Nigerian citizen who has secured admission into a public tertiary institution, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or vocational schools, and can provide a National Identity Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). Applicants must apply through the official NELFUND portal and have their details, including their JAMB registration number and matriculation number, verified by the institution.

Has NELFUND start disbursement for 2025?

Yes, NELFUND has started disbursing loans for 2025, including April 2025 upkeep allowances which began in May 2025, and has disbursed over ₦86.3 billion by August 2025. The loan disbursement for the 2024/2025 academic session started in February 2025, according to NELFUND’s official impact report.

Is a NELFUND loan repayable?

Yes, if you paid your tuition fees to your tertiary institution before the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) disbursed your loan, the institution is required to refund you the fees paid to them, not the other way around. NELFUND has directed institutions to process these refunds after a reconciliation and verification process to ensure accuracy and prevent students from being barred from academic activities due to non-payment

How much does Nelfund give to students?

NELFUND gives two types of support to eligible students: direct payment of their school fees to their institution and a N20,000 monthly upkeep stipend paid directly to the student. The school fees are paid on the student’s behalf to cover institutional charges, while the upkeep loan provides a monthly allowance to help with personal expenses, with the possibility of the stipend being reviewed in the future based on economic conditions.

Can 100 level apply for Nelfund?

Yes, a 100-level student can apply for a Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) loan, provided they are a Nigerian citizen duly admitted into an eligible public tertiary institution. The loan is open to students pursuing their first degree and requires valid identification like JAMB details, NIN, and BVN.

How long does it take for NELFUND student loan to be approved?

Normally, all student loan approval times vary significantly, from a few days to several weeks, depending on NELFUND office in Abuja, Nigeria. Therefore, approvals are expected within three weeks of application, with funds disbursed within 30 days of approval.

What happens if I never pay my NELFUND Student loan back?

The consequences of not paying the NELFUND loans installments from 2 years after graduation is that the government can begin debt collection proceedings from your bank account using your BVN. In the case of Nigeria, the government may or may not take court action against you. Either ways, this can affect your credit records in future. This will mean you are less likely to be approved for other forms of credit for years to come.

Final Discussions

The NELFUND Student Loan Initiative is a great development for higher education in Nigeria. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s interest-free loans is breaking down financial barriers for parents and students. Furthermore, the government is giving every Nigerian student a fair chance to succeed educationally. Education is no longer just a privilege for the wealthy, it is becoming a right for all. With this initiative, students can dream bigger, work harder, and confidently build the future they deserve.