NELFUND Urges Tertiary Institutions to Update Student Records Ahead of 2025/2026 Loan Portal Opening

NELFUND calls on Nigerian tertiary institutions to update student records before the 2025/2026 loan portal opens to ensure smooth verification and access to student loans.

NELFUND’s New Directive: Preparing for the 2025/2026 Student Loan Cycle

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has issued an important directive to all accredited tertiary institutions across the country. As part of preparations for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic session, NELFUND has urged universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to update and upload accurate student records ahead of the official reopening of the Student Verification Portal.

This proactive step is aimed at ensuring a smooth verification and loan application process for all eligible students, both returning and newly admitted. According to NELFUND, the verification stage is critical because only verified students will be allowed to apply for financial support through the NELFUND Student Loan Portal.

Why Student Record Updates Are Important

Accurate and up-to-date records form the backbone of NELFUND’s education financing process. The Fund emphasizes that student verification helps eliminate errors, prevent fraud, and ensure that loans reach the rightful beneficiaries.

Here are key reasons why this update is crucial:

Eligibility Verification: Only students verified by their institutions will be eligible to access the NELFUND student loan.
Data Accuracy: Prevents mismatched or duplicate records, ensuring each applicant is properly identified.
Faster Loan Processing: Updated records enable NELFUND to process applications swiftly, minimizing delays in fund disbursement.
Transparency and Accountability: Ensures institutions maintain proper records and comply with federal education funding standards.

What Institutions Must Do Before the Portal Opens

NELFUND has outlined specific steps that tertiary institutions must follow before the loan portal opens for the 2025/2026 academic session:

Update Student Databases: Ensure all student details — including names, admission numbers, matriculation numbers, and departments — are accurate.
Upload Records to the Portal: Submit both new and returning student records to the Student Verification Portal using the approved NELFUND data format.
Cross-Check for Errors: Review all uploads to eliminate spelling errors, missing information, or duplicate entries.
Verify Admission Lists: Confirm that every student listed has an active admission status and is officially enrolled in the institution.
Adhere to Deadlines: Complete the update process before the portal opens to avoid student loan application delays.

For more guidance, institutions can visit the NELFUND official website for step-by-step instructions on uploading student data and using the verification tools.

Benefits of the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme

The NELFUND Student Loan Scheme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to make higher education accessible to every Nigerian student. The loan provides both tuition support and upkeep allowances, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress.

Key benefits include:

Interest-Free Loans: NELFUND loans are structured to be interest-free, reducing financial burden on students.
Direct Tuition Payments: Funds are paid directly to institutions to cover school fees.
Upkeep Allowances: Additional funds are provided to support living and study expenses.
Easy Application: Students can apply online through the NELFUND Portal using verified institutional credentials.
Flexible Repayment: Graduates begin repayment only after securing employment.

For students and parents looking to learn more about NELFUND’s mission and funding policies, visit the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Federal Ministry of Education for related updates.

How Students Can Prepare Ahead of the 2025/2026 Loan Cycle

While institutions are updating their records, students can also take early steps to prepare for the next loan application round:

Confirm Your Admission Details: Ensure your admission and matriculation numbers match official school records.
Register on the NELFUND Portal: Create an account early and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Maintain a Clean Academic Record: Avoid disciplinary issues or withdrawal that could affect eligibility.
Gather Required Documents: Keep your school ID, admission letter, and other credentials ready for upload.
Stay Informed: Follow NELFUND’s official social media channels and website for announcements and updates.

A Step Toward Accessible Education for All

NELFUND’s latest directive reinforces its commitment to empowering Nigerian students through accessible, transparent, and efficient educational financing. By encouraging institutions to update their records early, the Fund aims to ensure that thousands of students can seamlessly access the financial support they need for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Education is the foundation of national growth — and initiatives like this make it possible for every student, regardless of background, to pursue their dreams without financial limitations.

If you’re a student or institution representative, don’t wait until the last minute. Visit the NELFUND Student Loan Portal today to learn more about verification procedures, deadlines, and application requirements.