NELFUND Opens 2025/2026 Student Loan Portal, Offering ₦500,000 Interest-Free Support

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing up to ₦500,000 in interest-free funding per student for tuition and living expenses across accredited Nigerian institutions.

The initiative, established under the 2024 Student Loans Act signed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to promote equitable access to higher education by supporting students from low-income and vulnerable backgrounds. According to government data, NELFUND has already disbursed over ₦15 billion to 110,000 students during its earlier rollout phases.

Applicants can access the portal to verify eligibility, apply for tuition coverage, or request upkeep allowances, with the scheme designed to minimize financial barriers that have long hindered university and polytechnic enrollment.

The announcement quickly gained traction online, with many Nigerians praising the program as one of the most impactful social policies of the administration. Supporters credited the government for prioritizing youth empowerment and reducing dependence on private loans, while others urged transparency and efficient management to ensure timely disbursement.

As universities resume nationwide, the NELFUND portal’s reopening represents a renewed opportunity for thousands of students to continue their education without the crushing burden of interest-bearing debt — a step many see as vital in rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s public education system.