The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official closure of its 2024/2025 academic session application portal, effective Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
This marks the end of the second full cycle of the interest-free student loan scheme, designed to expand access to higher education across Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NELFUND confirmed that the portal will reopen in the second week of October for fresh applications into the 2025/2026 academic session. The new cycle will remain open until January 2026.
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Institutions have been directed to update student records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable eligible students to apply. Those yet to commence new academic sessions are advised to notify NELFUND for possible concessions.
The Fund warned that all unverified applications from the 2024/2025 cycle will be automatically cancelled after October 8, 2025. Students affected are urged to prompt their institutions to complete verification or reapply in the new cycle.
Students whose applications remain unapproved or unpaid were informed that delays stem from incomplete verification by their institutions. NELFUND is engaging with these institutions and will publish the names of non-compliant ones for transparency.
Upkeep payments for the current session will continue until November 2025, but students must reapply to receive support in the next academic year.
Speaking on the development, NELFUND Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said: “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.”
He added, “We urge all institutions to update their students’ records on the SVS promptly, as this step is critical to enabling students to access the Fund.”
Students are encouraged to complete applications early and stay informed through NELFUND’s official platforms.
