Accessing higher education in Nigeria just got easier for students, thanks to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The much-anticipated 2025 Tinubu Student Loan Portal is now open, providing a golden opportunity for students across the country to apply for interest-free loans to support their education.

In this blog post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the NELFUND student loan scheme, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, repayment plans, and more.

What Is NELFUND?

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a government initiative established to provide interest-free loans to Nigerian students. The fund is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all, especially for students from low-income families.

The program is designed to ease the financial burden of tuition fees and other academic expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about funding.

Key Features of the Tinubu Student Loan

• Interest-Free Loans: The loans are entirely interest-free, reducing the financial pressure on students after graduation.
• Wide Coverage: The loans cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential academic costs.
• Flexible Repayment Plans: Repayment only begins two years after NYSC completion, giving graduates time to secure employment.
• Digital Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the NELFUND portal, streamlining the process for students nationwide.

Eligibility Criteria for the NELFUND Student Loan

To qualify for the 2025 Tinubu Student Loan, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nigerian Citizenship: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens with a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
• Admission to a Tertiary Institution: Candidates must have a valid admission offer from a federally or state-owned university, polytechnic, college of education, or vocational school.
• Income Threshold: The combined annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians must not exceed ₦500,000.
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must not have any criminal record or history of exam malpractice.

Documents Required for Application

Students will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:

• Admission Letter (from JAMB or the institution)
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• Proof of Family Income (e.g., salary slips, tax clearance certificates)
• Guarantor’s Details (must be a civil servant above Grade Level 12, a lawyer, or a clergy member)

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the 2025 Tinubu Student Loan

1. Visit the Official NELFUND Portal: Go to the official website: www.nelfund.gov.ng
2. Create an Account: Click on Register and fill in your details, including your email address, phone number, and password.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate information, including your institution details, course of study, and requested loan amount.
4. Upload Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents, ensuring they are clear and valid.
5. Submit Your Application: Review your information, submit the application, and wait for a confirmation email.
6. Track Your Application: Use your portal login details to check the status of your application regularly.

Loan Disbursement Process

Once your application is approved, the loan amount will be disbursed directly to your institution to cover tuition fees, while other expenses (like textbooks and accommodation) will be sent to your registered bank account.

ALSO READ: JAMB Age Limit 2025/2026 and Requirements

Repayment and Loan Management

The repayment process is designed to be student-friendly:

• Repayment Starts After 2 Years: Graduates begin repayment 2 years after completing NYSC.
• Salary Deduction System: Repayment will be automatically deducted as a small percentage of the graduate’s salary.
• Flexible Adjustments: If a graduate is unemployed after 2 years, they can apply for a repayment extension or loan deferment.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Nigerian Students

The opening of the 2025 Tinubu Student Loan Portal marks a significant step forward in making higher education more accessible to millions of Nigerian students. By eliminating interest rates and offering flexible repayment plans, this initiative reduces financial barriers and empowers students to pursue their academic dreams without fear of crippling debt.

For many students, this could be the lifeline they need to stay in school, complete their education, and build a brighter future.