Hello there, my name is Prudent Joshua, and today I want to talk to you directly — especially if you are a student in Nigeria or you have plans to go to school soon. I know how tough it is to get admission and then begin to worry about school fees, hostel fees, textbooks, and even feeding.
You might be wondering how you will survive in school when your parents or guardians are already struggling. That is where this new student loan portal comes in.
The Student Loan Portal is a new government-backed online platform created to help Nigerian students apply for interest-free education loans. This portal was launched by NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund) under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Government of Nigeria. And the good news is — it is already live!
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Just recently, in May 2025, the Nigerian government officially opened the portal for public university students to begin applying for financial support. The plan is to help more students access higher education without being stopped by money issues.
According to the Federal Government, the loan will be extended to polytechnic, college of education, and even private university students in future phases. But for now, it is available to undergraduates in federal institutions.
This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, and it is designed to stop the increasing number of students dropping out of school because of money problems.
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So if you are a Nigerian student finding it hard to pay your fees, or you are worried that your dreams might die because of lack of support, then this student loan portal is something you must understand. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about the portal — how to register, how to apply, who can benefit, and how to check your loan status. Everything will be written in simple English that anyone can understand, even if you are reading this for the first time.
Let us get started.
What Is the Student Loan Portal?
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| Image source: Getty image |
The Student Loan Portal is an official online platform created by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to help students apply for financial support from the Federal Government. It is not just a website. It is a system built to make things easier and more transparent for Nigerian students who need help with school expenses.
The portal allows eligible students in public universities to apply for loans that will cover their tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and even living costs. The money will be paid directly to the school or service providers, so students will not have to worry about handling large cash. It is all done online, and you can apply straight from your phone or laptop as long as you have internet access.
Before now, many Nigerian students dropped out of school simply because their parents could not pay the fees. Some students had to borrow from loan sharks with high interest, which only brought more problems. But now, with the student loan portal, students can get help directly from the government without any interest charges or fear of harassment.
The student loan portal is part of a wider education reform by the Federal Government to ensure that every Nigerian student has a fair chance at getting quality education, no matter their background or financial status.
Once you visit the portal — https://nelf.gov.ng — you will find clear instructions on how to register, the documents you need to upload, and the status of your application. Everything is online and easy to follow.
The aim of this loan system is not just to give out money but to build a stronger and better-educated Nigeria. It is also a way to reduce the burden on parents and give students hope that they can complete their education without dropping out.
Who Is Eligible to Use the Student Loan Portal?
Before you rush to apply on the student loan portal, it is very important to know whether you are eligible. Not everyone is allowed to apply, and understanding the requirements will save you time and effort.
According to the guidelines provided by NELFUND and the Federal Government, here are the students who can apply for the loan:
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You must be a Nigerian citizen
This loan is strictly for Nigerian students. If you are not a citizen, you are not qualified. -
You must be a student of a public tertiary institution
That means you must be studying in a Federal or State university, polytechnic, college of education or technical school. Private school students are not eligible yet. -
You must have proof of admission or be currently enrolled
If you are just planning to write JAMB or you are waiting for admission, you cannot apply yet. You must have your JAMB registration number, admission letter, and be a student of the school. -
Your parents or sponsor must earn less than ₦500,000 per year
This loan is meant for students from low-income homes. If your parents earn above this, the system may reject your application. -
You must have a guarantor
The loan application requires that you provide details of a guarantor. This can be:-
A civil servant who is not less than level 12
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A lawyer with at least 10 years of experience
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A judicial officer
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A justice of peace
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You must not have a history of defaulting loans or criminal records
If you or your guarantor has been involved in financial fraud or failed to repay government loans in the past, you may not be approved. -
You must apply through the official NELFUND portal
The loan is only processed through the official website: https://nelf.gov.ng. Avoid any third-party website or person claiming to help you process the loan for a fee. The application is completely free.
If you meet all these conditions, then congratulations — you are eligible to use the student loan portal. But eligibility is just one part. In the next section, I will guide you step-by-step on how to register and apply without making any mistake.
How to Register and Apply on the Student Loan Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you know you are eligible, the next thing is to register and apply on the student loan portal. Please follow the steps below carefully. If you make any mistake, your application might be rejected. So take your time and read every instruction clearly.
Step 1: Visit the Official Student Loan Portal
Go to https://nelf.gov.ng. This is the only official portal created by the Federal Government and managed by NELFUND.
Do not fall for fake websites. Always double-check the web address before you enter any information.
Step 2: Click on "Apply Now"
Once you get to the homepage, look for the "Apply Now" button. Click it. This will take you to the registration page.
Step 3: Create Your Account
You will need to sign up using your:
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JAMB Registration Number
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Date of Birth
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Email address
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Phone number
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Password
Make sure the information you provide matches what is on your JAMB and school records.
After filling the form, click on "Submit". A confirmation link will be sent to your email. Go to your email and click the link to activate your student loan account.
Step 4: Log In to Your Dashboard
After activating your account, go back to the portal and log in using your email and password.
You will be taken to your personal dashboard where you can now begin the loan application.
Step 5: Fill in Your Personal Information
Here, you will be asked to provide your:
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Full name
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State of origin
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Local Government Area (LGA)
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Phone number
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Home address
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Parent or guardian's details
Fill everything correctly and make sure you double-check before submitting.
Step 6: Enter Your School and Course Details
You will be required to provide:
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Your school name (must be public)
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Course of study
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Matriculation number
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Level (e.g., 100L, 200L, etc.)
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Expected year of graduation
Your school must be listed on the portal. If your school is not listed, you cannot proceed.
Step 7: Upload Necessary Documents
You will be asked to upload the following:
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Admission letter
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School ID card
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Passport photograph
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Any document showing your current level (like course registration slip)
Make sure all documents are clear and not blurry.
Step 8: Add Your Guarantor’s Details
This is very important. You must fill in:
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Full name of guarantor
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Phone number
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Place of work
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Position or rank (e.g., civil servant level 12 and above)
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Official ID card (you may need to upload a scan or photo)
Make sure your guarantor is aware and agrees to support your application.
Step 9: Review and Submit
After filling everything, review your application to make sure there is no mistake. Once you are sure, click "Submit".
You will get a confirmation message that your application has been submitted successfully.
Step 10: Wait for Approval
NELFUND will now review your application. If everything is correct and your documents are in order, your loan will be approved.
Once approved, your loan amount will be sent directly to your school to cover tuition, and the rest will be sent to your account for upkeep (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Student Loan Portal
I know this new student loan process may be confusing to many of us. That is why I want to answer some of the most common questions students have been asking about the student loan portal and the whole process in general.
1. Is the student loan free?
No, it is not free. The loan is to help you pay for your education, but you must pay it back after you graduate and start working. However, you will not pay while you are still in school or jobless.
2. Is the student loan for everyone?
No. As I mentioned earlier, it is only for students in public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other government-owned schools. Also, your family income must be less than ₦500,000 per year, and you must not have any bad loan history.
3. Can I apply if I am a new student?
Yes! As long as you have an admission letter, and you meet all the requirements, you can apply as a new student.
4. Will I receive the money directly?
Not all the money. The tuition part will go directly to your school. But if your school fees have been sorted, the remaining part of the loan (called upkeep money) may be sent to your bank account.
5. What if my school is not listed on the portal?
If your school is not showing on the portal, you may have to wait until NELFUND adds it. Keep checking or speak to your school’s management.
6. Can I apply again if my application is rejected?
Yes, you can. But you must correct the errors that made your application rejected in the first place. Always read instructions well.
7. How long will it take to get a response?
The review may take a few days or weeks depending on how fast NELFUND processes your documents. Just make sure you keep checking your email and student loan portal dashboard.
8. What if I do not have a guarantor?
Without a guarantor, it may be difficult for your application to go through. Try to get a qualified civil servant, lawyer, or teacher who trusts you and is willing to support you.
9. Can I use the same guarantor as my friend?
It is possible if the guarantor agrees. But too many students using one guarantor may raise a red flag, so be careful.
10. What happens if I do not pay the loan after graduation?
There is a law guiding this loan. If you refuse to pay after getting a job, you may face legal consequences or even get blocked from government services. So it is better to plan and pay back when the time comes.
The Benefits of Using the Student Loan Portal for Nigerian Students
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| Image source: Getty image |
As a student in Nigeria, I know how frustrating it can be when you are struggling to pay your school fees or take care of yourself on campus. That is why the introduction of the student loan portal is something many of us have been praying for. Let me explain the real benefits, especially for those who are wondering if it is even worth applying.
1. It reduces financial stress
This is the most obvious one. Whether you are in 100 level or HND 2, you know how stressful it can be when school resumes and you do not have money to pay fees or buy textbooks. With this loan, at least the burden will reduce. You can focus more on reading instead of thinking about where money will come from.
2. No repayment until you graduate and start earning
Many people fear loans, and I understand. But this one is structured in a way that you only start repaying after graduation and when you get a job. So if you are still in school or unemployed, you are not expected to pay anything. This gives you breathing space.
3. It encourages students from poor backgrounds to pursue education
If your family income is below ₦500,000 per year, then this loan is meant for people like you. Before now, many brilliant students dropped out or never went to school because of lack of funds. This portal gives them fresh hope.
4. It is digital and simple
You do not need to go to Abuja or any office to apply. All you need is your phone or computer and good internet. Just go to nelf.gov.ng and create your account. The process is clear and user-friendly.
5. It can cover both school fees and upkeep
If your tuition is not so high, the remaining part of the loan can be used to cover your hostel fees, feeding, transportation, or even buy some textbooks. That is like having a helper during your time in school.
6. The portal protects your privacy
Your personal data is safe. The portal is secured and you are not required to go about with physical documents everywhere. You upload your files directly and they are processed confidentially.
7. It reduces dropout rate in universities and polytechnics
With this kind of support, fewer students will drop out because of money. That means more graduates and more skilled citizens, which is good for the country in the long run.
8. The application is free
Yes, you read that right. Applying for the loan through the student loan portal is totally free. You do not need to pay any money to any agent or anybody online. If someone is asking for money, it is a scam — do not fall for it.
9. You can monitor your loan status
Through your dashboard on the portal, you can easily track your loan progress. Whether it is still pending, approved, or processing, you will be able to see everything clearly. This removes the problem of waiting endlessly without any update.
10. It promotes equality in education1
Finally, this student loan scheme helps to level the ground a little. Whether you are from the village or the city, rich or poor, male or female, you all get equal access to the opportunity — as long as you qualify.
How to Prepare and Increase Your Chances of Approval on the Student Loan Portal
Many students have rushed to the student loan portal, hoping to get funds, but only a few have completed the process correctly. From what I have seen so far, most people were either not fully prepared or did not follow the instructions carefully. If you are serious about securing your student loan, these are the things you must do before you even apply.
1. Get your admission letter ready
The first document you need is your official admission letter. Whether you are in a university, polytechnic, or college of education, your school must have given you an admission letter. If you have not collected it, go to your school’s admission office and ask for it. You cannot apply for the loan without it.
2. Make sure your JAMB number is correct
The student loan portal links your information with the JAMB database. If you made a mistake in your JAMB registration number, it can delay your approval or cause rejection. Go back to your JAMB slip or original result and confirm the correct number before applying.
3. Confirm your school is NELFUND-approved
Not all schools are currently on the NELFUND student loan list. Visit the official loan portal nelf.gov.ng and check if your institution is listed. If it is not, then you may need to wait until your school is approved.
4. Set up your student email and school ID
If your school has given you a student email or an ID card, make sure those details are active and correct. Some applications are delayed because the system cannot match the student’s personal information with the school’s records.
5. Create a working email and phone number
Avoid using old or inactive email accounts. You need a personal email and phone number that you can access all the time. This is where updates and alerts from NELFUND will be sent. Also, make sure your SIM card is linked to your NIN and is not barred.
6. Get your NIN (National Identification Number)
The National Identification Number is now required for most government services. If you have not gotten yours yet, visit the nearest NIMC centre or approved registration point. It is free. Without NIN, your application may not go through.
7. Prepare a scanned passport photograph
When filling your loan application, you will be asked to upload a passport photo. Make sure the background is white and your face is clear. Avoid using filtered selfies or old photos. A standard passport photo will make your application look professional.
8. Know your parents’ or guardians’ financial details
Since the loan is meant for students from poor backgrounds, NELFUND will want to verify your family’s financial situation. You may be asked questions like: What is your father’s income? Does your mother have a business? Be honest, but be ready.
9. Learn how to use the portal
Before the application opens, take time to visit the student loan portal and understand the different sections. Click around and read everything. You will see sections like “New Application,” “My Dashboard,” and “Loan Status.” This will help you avoid mistakes when the real application begins.
10. Be patient and follow updates
Finally, do not rush. Some students want to be the first to apply and end up making silly mistakes. Stay updated by following the official NELFUND handle and also checking trusted platforms like studentportals.com.ng. As soon as any update drops, I always share it here.
