Tinubu Govt Opens 2025/2026 Student Loan Application Portal
The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially opened the 2025/2026 Student Loan Application Portal, marking a major step forward in the administration’s promise to expand access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
According to an announcement released by NELFUND, the online application portal will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The scheme is open to both newly admitted and returning students of all accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The loan initiative, established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, aims to provide financial relief to millions of students struggling to pay tuition and other academic fees.
In a statement, NELFUND directed all tertiary institutions to upload verified student data through its Student Verification Portal to enable qualified students to access the facility. For newly admitted students yet to receive matriculation numbers, their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number can be used in the meantime.
The agency further appealed to institutions to hold off on enforcing strict registration or tuition deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement, ensuring that no student is denied education because of financial constraints.
Institutions that are yet to begin their 2025/2026 academic sessions have also been asked to submit their academic calendars to NELFUND for proper scheduling and inclusion.
President Tinubu’s government has described the scheme as a bold and historic step toward making education accessible and equitable. Many observers have lauded the move as a “lifeline” for financially challenged students across Nigeria, while some education stakeholders urge the government to ensure transparent disbursement and timely release of funds.
The student loan portal can be accessed via the official NELFUND website, where eligible applicants are advised to complete their submissions before the January 31, 2026 deadline.
This development signals a renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to tackle the persistent challenges of tuition funding and ensure that every Nigerian student regardless of background has a fair chance at quality higher education.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed over ₦105 million to three tertiary institutions under the 2024/2025 Student Loan Programme.
Beneficiary institutions include:
Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin – ₦40,309,100.00
Nasarawa State University, Keffi – ₦18,110,595.00 for 196 students (second batch).
Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna – ₦46,525,000.00 for 199 students.
NELFUND remains committed to ensuring equal access to higher education and easing the financial burden on Nigerian students nationwide.
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