NELFUND announces closure of 2024/2025 application; Abuja, Nigeria – September 29, 2025 – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced that the application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session will close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This closure marks the end of the second full cycle of the loan scheme and will allow the Fund to finalize pending applications and manage upkeep payments.
In line with its mandate to support equitable access to higher education across Nigeria, NELFUND has also released key timelines for the commencement of applications into the 2025/2026 academic session.
Key Updates from NELFUND
1. Closure of Current Session Portal
The application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session will close on September 30, 2025. No new student applications will be accepted after this date.
2. Opening of New Application Cycle
The portal will reopen in the second week of October 2025 for fresh applications into the 2025/2026 academic session. The new application cycle will remain open until January 2026.
3. Institutional Records Update
All institutions are required to update their students’ records on the Student Verification System (SVS). This step is essential to ensure that students can successfully apply for the 2025/2026 academic session.
4. Institutions Yet to Commence New Sessions
Any institution that has not started a new academic session within the stated application period must notify NELFUND. This will allow the Fund to make special considerations to accommodate affected students.
5. Automatic Cancellation of Unverified Applications
All 2024/2025 applications that remain unverified by institutions after October 8, 2025, will be automatically canceled. Students affected by this are strongly advised to reapply once their school management updates verification records on the SVS for the 2025/2026 cycle. Such students will be required to submit fresh applications for the new academic year.
This announcement is a critical reminder for students, institutions, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Students are encouraged to complete all necessary processes before the deadlines to secure their eligibility for the NELFUND loan scheme.
