The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has outlined a structured process for eligible Nigerian students seeking financial support for tuition and upkeep in public tertiary institutions.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Be Nigerian citizens
• Have secured admission into a public university, polytechnic, college of education, or approved vocational institution
• Possess a valid JAMB admission letter
• Have a Bank Verification Number (BVN)
Step 2: Visit the Official NELFUND Portal
Applicants are advised to apply only through the official website to avoid fraud:
https://nelf.gov.ng
NELFUND warns against third-party agents or unofficial links.
Step 3: Create an Account
• Click on “Apply for Student Loan”
• Register using a valid email address and phone number
• Verify your account through the confirmation message sent to your email
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Applicants will be required to provide:
• Personal details
• Academic information (institution, course, matric/JAMB number)
• Bank details for upkeep allowance
• BVN for identity verification
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
These may include:
• JAMB admission letter
• School admission confirmation
• Valid means of identification
Step 6: Submit and Track Application
After submission:
• Applicants can track their application status on the portal
• Approved tuition fees are paid directly to institutions
• Upkeep allowances are credited to students’ bank accounts
NELFUND advises applicants to monitor official updates and respond promptly to any request for clarification.
NELFUND in Brief: What Students and Parents Should Know
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a Federal Government initiative created to ensure that no qualified Nigerian student drops out of school due to lack of funds.
Key Things to Know
• The loan is interest-free
• It covers tuition fees and student upkeep
• Repayment begins after graduation and employment
• No political, ethnic, or religious discrimination applies
For Parents
Education authorities say NELFUND is designed to:
• Reduce financial pressure on families
• Encourage uninterrupted schooling
• Support national human capital development
Parents are advised to help students submit accurate information and avoid individuals demanding payment to “fast-track” approval.
For Students
Students are encouraged to:
• Apply early
• Use only the official portal
• Beware of scams on social media
NELFUND emphasises that application is free and does not require any middlemen.
Official Application & Information Portal:
https://nelf.gov.ng
