NELFUND Opens Funding Window for State University Students Nationwide

Thousands of students in state-owned universities across Nigeria can now access financial support under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as the Federal Government expands the implementation of its student loan programme.

Established under the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, NELFUND is designed to provide interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students, helping to ease the growing financial burden associated with tertiary education.

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must possess a valid JAMB registration number, National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), matriculation number, and an active email address. Students are also required to ensure that their institutions have uploaded their academic records to the NELFUND database.

Applicants can submit their requests through the official NELFUND portal, where they are required to complete identity verification, provide academic information, and select their preferred funding options, including tuition fees, upkeep allowance, or both.

Under the scheme, approved institutional fees are paid directly to the student's university, while monthly upkeep allowances are disbursed into the beneficiary's personal bank account to assist with living expenses during their studies.

Following submission, applications undergo a verification process involving the student's institution and relevant government databases. Successful applicants receive official notification and details of their loan disbursement schedule.

Education stakeholders have described the initiative as a major intervention aimed at improving access to higher education, particularly for students facing financial difficulties amid rising tuition costs and economic challenges.

The programme also provides flexible repayment conditions, with beneficiaries expected to begin repayment only after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and securing gainful employment.

NELFUND officials say the initiative is intended to ensure that no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints, while promoting greater educational inclusion and human capital development nationwide.