Student loans in Nigeria have finally become a reality that actually works. What Nigerian students are experiencing today is something many never thought would happen, an interest-free government loan that requires no collateral, no guarantor, and gets disbursed directly to schools and student accounts within weeks of application.
While some students are still unaware this program exists, others have already received hundreds of thousands of naira for tuition and monthly upkeep allowances.
NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund) has disbursed over ₦140 billion to nearly 800,000 students across 262 institutions as of November 2025. The program covers tuition fees paid directly to schools and monthly upkeep allowances of ₦20,000 paid into student bank accounts. The repayment terms are also the most favorable you’ll find anywhere, you only start paying back 2 years after NYSC or employment, and it’s just 5% of your monthly salary.
Because the program is still new and information keeps changing, many students don’t know how to apply properly, how disbursement works, why some payments are delayed, and what to do when issues arise. That’s why we always research properly, track official announcements, read student feedback, and verify information from multiple sources before writing any guide on TechManly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about NELFUND loan disbursement, how to apply for the 2025/2026 session, what the money covers, when you’ll receive it, how repayment works, and what to do if you face delays.
What is NELFUND?
NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund) is a government program established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024. It provides interest-free loans to Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions.
Key features:
- Interest-free loans
- No collateral required
- No guarantor needed
- Covers tuition and upkeep
- Available to all eligible Nigerian students in public institutions
- Repayment starts 2 years after NYSC or employment
Current statistics (as of 2025):
- Total disbursed: ₦140.88 billion
- Students benefited: 788,947
- Institutions covered: 262
- Total applications: 1,193,228
What Does the Loan Cover?
NELFUND provides two types of payments:
1. Tuition/Institutional Fees
Paid directly to your school. The amount depends on your school’s fee structure. NELFUND covers the full institutional fees.
Examples:
- University of Jos: ₦622 million for 4,450 students
- Northwest University, Kano: ₦207 million for 3,410 students
- Olabisi Onabanjo University: ₦718 million for 3,473 students
2. Upkeep Allowance
₦20,000 per month paid directly into your bank account. This is tied to your academic calendar, meaning payments stop when your session ends and resume when the new session starts.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Basic requirements:
- Nigerian citizen
- Enrolled or admitted to an approved public tertiary institution (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education)
- Federal or state institutions qualify
- First-time undergraduate degree or vocational program
- No guarantor needed
Automatic eligibility:
Students from indigent families get automatic approval.
Who is NOT eligible:
- Students in private universities (not covered yet)
- Postgraduate students (expansion planned but not yet active)
- Students who previously defaulted on loans
- Students not enrolled in public institutions
Application Process for 2025/2026 Session
The portal opened on October 23, 2025 and closes on January 31, 2026.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to nelf.gov.ng and click “Apply Now.”
Step 2: Create Your Account
Register with your email address and phone number. You’ll receive an OTP (One-Time Password) to verify your account.
Step 3: Fill Your Application Form
Provide:
- Personal information (name, date of birth, address)
- NIN (National Identification Number)
- JAMB registration number or matriculation number
- BVN (Bank Verification Number)
- School details (name, course, year of study)
- Bank account details (must be linked to your BVN)
Important: New students can use their JAMB or admission number if they don’t have a matriculation number yet.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Valid ID (NIN slip, voter’s card, or international passport)
- Admission letter or school ID card
- Bank statement or account details
Make sure all information matches exactly. Mismatched details cause rejection.
Step 5: Submit Application
Review everything carefully before submitting. Once submitted, you can track your application status on the dashboard.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Approval takes 2–4 weeks after verification. You’ll receive notifications via email and SMS.
Step 7: Receive Disbursement
- Tuition goes directly to your school’s account
- Upkeep (₦20,000/month) comes to your personal bank account
- Payments are tied to your academic calendar
How Disbursement Works
Tuition payment:
NELFUND pays your school directly. Your school confirms receipt, and the payment clears your fees. You don’t handle this money.
Upkeep payment:
₦20,000 is paid monthly into your bank account. The payment is aligned with your school’s academic calendar.
Important: Upkeep payments stop at the end of your academic session and resume when the new session starts. This prevents duplicate payments across sessions.
Example:
If your session ends in July, upkeep stops in July. When your new session starts in October, payments resume from October.
Disbursement Timeline and Milestones
NELFUND has been growing steadily since launch:
| Date | Total Disbursed | Students Benefited | Institutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | ₦45.1 billion | 298,000 | 198 |
| April 2025 | ₦54.2 billion | 300,000+ | 200 |
| June 2025 | ₦73.1 billion | 366,247 | 220 |
| August 2025 | ₦86.3 billion | 449,000 | 240 |
| October 2025 | ₦116.5 billion | 624,535 | 239 |
| November 2025 | ₦140.9 billion | 788,947 | 262 |
New applications keep coming in weekly. As of November 30, 2025, over 35,000 new applications were received in one week alone.
Loan Repayment Terms
NELFUND repayment is the most flexible you’ll find:
When repayment starts:
2 years after completing NYSC or getting employed (whichever comes first).
How much you pay:
5% of your monthly salary. Your employer deducts this automatically and remits to NELFUND.
Grace period:
If you’re unemployed after graduation, repayment is paused until you get a job.
Loan forgiveness:
The loan is forgiven in cases of death or permanent disability.
No travel restrictions:
You can travel freely after graduation. NELFUND does not impose travel bans.
Common Issues Students Face
Issue 1: Delayed Upkeep Payments
Some students report seeing “disbursement” on the portal but not receiving money in their accounts.
Solution:
- Confirm your bank details are correct and BVN is linked
- Contact NELFUND support at 0800-33-4-NELFUND or support@nelf.gov.ng
- Join beneficiary groups on social media for updates
- Track your school’s academic calendar upload status
Issue 2: Application Rejected
Common reasons:
- Mismatched BVN and account details
- Incomplete documentation
- School hasn’t uploaded academic calendar
- Errors in personal information
Solution:
- Verify all information matches your official documents
- Ensure your school has uploaded the academic calendar
- Reapply if rejected due to correctable errors
Issue 3: School Not on the List
If your school isn’t listed:
Solution:
- Contact your school administration to register with NELFUND
- Schools must upload student data and academic calendars to participate
- Follow up with your school’s bursary or student affairs office
Important Tips for Applicants
Apply early:
Don’t wait until January 31, 2026. Apply as soon as possible to avoid last-minute portal crashes.
Use accurate information:
One small error can cause rejection. Double-check everything before submitting.
Keep your BVN active:
Your bank account must be linked to your BVN. Dormant accounts cause payment failures.
Track your application:
Log in regularly to check your status. Enable SMS and email notifications.
Contact your school:
Make sure your school has uploaded the academic calendar and your enrollment data.
Join online communities:
Follow @NELFUND on Twitter/X for official updates. Join Facebook groups where beneficiaries share experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NELFUND available for private university students?
Not yet. Only public institutions are covered for now.
2. Can I apply if I’m in 100 level?
Yes. All levels from 100 to final year can apply.
3. How long does approval take?
2–4 weeks after submitting complete documents.
4. What if I don’t have a matriculation number yet?
Use your JAMB number or admission number for new students.
5. Can I apply for both tuition and upkeep?
Yes. The loan covers both automatically based on your school’s fees and academic calendar.
6. What happens if I drop out?
You must start repaying immediately or return the funds.
7. Is there a maximum loan amount?
No fixed maximum. NELFUND covers your full institutional fees plus ₦20,000 monthly upkeep.
8. Can I apply for postgraduate programs?
Not yet. NELFUND currently covers only undergraduate and vocational programs.
Final Words
NELFUND is transforming access to education in Nigeria. Nearly 800,000 students have benefited so far, and the program keeps expanding. If you’re a Nigerian student in a public tertiary institution, you qualify for this interest-free loan.
Don’t let lack of funds stop your education. Visit nelf.gov.ng today and submit your application before January 31, 2026. Make sure your documents are accurate, your BVN is active, and your school has uploaded the academic calendar.
The loan is interest-free, repayment is flexible, and the application is completely free. Take advantage of this opportunity while it’s still open.