In a move that has sent urgency through Nigeria’s tertiary student community, NELFUND closes student loan portal for the 2024/2025 academic session effective Tuesday. The Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, announced the closure during a press briefing in Abuja, saying the deadline is critical to allow the Fund to finalize pending applications and upkeep payments.

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Why the Portal Closure Matters

The decision to shut down the application window reflects NELFUND’s commitment to timely processing. By closing the portal, the agency intends to wrap up outstanding application reviews and disburse stipend payments before fully transitioning to the new cycle.

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What Comes Next: 2025/2026 Application Timeline

Sawyerr also laid out the schedule for the next session: the portal will in the second week of October 2025 and remain available through January 2026 for fresh applicants. This timeline gives students, parents, and institutions a clear runway for planning.

However, NELFUND emphasized an important caveat: all unverified applications for 2024/2025 will be cancelled automatically after October 8, 2025. Affected students will need to reapply under the new session.

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Verifications, Stipends & Repayments

To maintain eligibility, institutions must update student records on the Student Verification System (SVS). Schools that fail to comply risk being publicly listed as non-compliant.

NELFUND confirmed that upkeep stipends for 2024/2025 will continue until November. But those who wish to continue receiving support must reapply when the portal reopens. Loan terms remain interest-free, with repayments beginning two years after NYSC, via a 10% salary deduction by employers.

Sawyerr also expressed concern over arbitrary increases in tuition and miscellaneous fees. He said a ministerial committee is working to standardize fee structures across institutions. He added the current ₦20,000 monthly allowance would not be increased immediately but could be adjusted later based on cost of living indices.

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What Students Should Do Right Now

1. Act before the portal closes — Complete or submit your applications now.
2. Follow up with your institution — Ensure your record is verified on SVS before October 8.
3. Prepare to reapply — If your application is cancelled, you’ll need to apply in the 2025/2026 cycle.
4. Stay updated — Watch for announcements, especially around when the portal reopens.

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With NELFUND closing the student loan portal, time is now a major factor. Students who procrastinate risk losing access to interest-free funding. But there’s also hope: the reopening timeline offers a second chance—and a promise that financing barriers may be eased for tomorrow’s applicants.