The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that the application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session will officially close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The closure concludes the second full cycle of the interest-free loan scheme and will allow the Fund to complete pending applications and continue upkeep disbursements.
In line with its mandate to expand equitable access to higher education across Nigeria, NELFUND has also released timelines for the commencement of the 2025/2026 application cycle:
1. Closure of Current Session Portal – No further applications will be accepted after September 30, 2025.
2. Opening of New Application Cycle – The portal reopens in the second week of October 2025 for fresh applications into the 2025/2026 session and will remain open until January 2026.
3. Institutional Records Update – All institutions are required to update student records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable loan applications.
4. Institutions Yet to Commence New Sessions – Such institutions should notify NELFUND for concessions to accommodate their students.
5. Automatic Cancellation of Unverified Applications – Applications for the 2024/2025 session not verified by institutions by October 8, 2025, will be cancelled. Affected students must reapply under the 2025/2026 cycle.
6. Unapproved Applications – Pending applications remain unprocessed due to incomplete verification by institutions. NELFUND is engaging with these schools but warns that names of non-compliant institutions will be published for transparency.
7. Upkeep Payments – Disbursement for the 2024/2025 session will continue until November 2025. Students must reapply for the new session to continue receiving upkeep.
Speaking on the development, NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said:
> “Closing the current portal is necessary to prepare for the next cycle. NELFUND is committed to eliminating financial barriers for students and working with institutions to ensure no eligible student is left behind. We urge institutions to update their records promptly, as this step is vital for enabling students to access the Fund.”
To ensure transparency, the deadline for institutions to submit verified student records remains October 8, 2025. NELFUND advises students to stay closely engaged with their institutions, complete applications promptly, and reapply for the 2025/2026 session to secure continued support.
For inquiries, contact: info@nelf.gov.ng
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Website: www.nelf.gov.ng
