NELFUND TO CLOSE 2024/2025 APPLICATION PORTAL SEPTEMBER 30, ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 APPLICATION COMMENCEMENT DATE
Interest-free student loans continue to empower Nigerian students as portal transitions to new academic session
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. This marks the conclusion of the second full cycle of the scheme, paving the way for the processing of pending applications and the continuation of upkeep payments.
In line with its mandate to expand equitable access to higher education, NELFUND also released key timelines for the 2025/2026 academic session:
- Closure of Current Session Portal
The 2024/2025 application portal will shut down on September 30, 2025. No new applications will be accepted after this date. - Opening of New Application Cycle
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic session will open in the second week of October 2025 and remain accessible until January 2026. - Institutional Records Update
All higher institutions must update their students’ records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable applicants to proceed with the new session. - Institutions Yet to Commence New Sessions
Any institution unable to start a new session within the stated application window is required to notify NELFUND for special concessions. - Automatic Cancellation of Unverified Applications
All 2024/2025 applications left unverified after October 8, 2025, will be automatically cancelled. Affected students will need to reapply for the 2025/2026 session. - Unapproved Applications
Applications that remain unapproved or unpaid are due to institutions’ failure to complete mandatory verification. NELFUND is working with such institutions but warns that names of non-compliant schools will be published for transparency. - Upkeep Payments
Upkeep allowances for the 2024/2025 session will continue until November 2025. However, students must reapply for 2025/2026 to maintain eligibility.
Speaking on the development, NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized the Fund’s commitment to breaking financial barriers for students:
“Announcing the closure of the current application portal is a necessary step to prepare for the next cycle. NELFUND remains committed to removing financial barriers for students and to working with institutions to ensure that no eligible student is left behind. These timelines provide clarity for students, parents, and institutions to plan ahead and participate fully in the process.”
He further urged institutions to update their records promptly, as the deadline for submitting verified student records remains October 8, 2025.
NELFUND advises students to work closely with their institutions, complete their applications on time, and reapply for the new session to continue benefiting from the scheme.
Be the first to comment