By Micah Jonah, February 28, 2026
As the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) portal closes, the scheme has received 1,696,316 applications since its launch on May 24, 2024. So far, 983,706 students have benefited, with N107.09bn disbursed to 265 institutions for tuition and N76.8bn paid directly to students as upkeep, totaling N183.89bn.
The Fund extended its application deadline to February 27, 2026, ensuring broader access for students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries are required to repay the interest-free loans after securing employment.
