The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, enabling students across tertiary institutions in the country to access government-backed financial support.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the application window will open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

NELFUND advised newly admitted students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

The agency also appealed to tertiary institutions to exercise flexibility with registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students whose loan applications are being processed,” the statement read.

It further urged institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session to formally notify NELFUND of their approved academic calendars to allow for scheduling flexibility.

“We appeal to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students awaiting loan approval, ensuring that no student is denied access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement added.