The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says the pilot phase of the student loan scheme will only be open to federal tertiary institutions.

President Bola Tinubu enacted an initial version of the student loan policy in June 2023 to grant interest-free loans to students.

The scheme was to commence in October 2023 but implementation was repeatedly deferred until a re-enactment in April 2024.

NELFUND recently scheduled the opening of the loan application and issuance portal for May 24.

To apply for the loan, a student must have their admission letter, national identification number, and bank verification number.

How to apply:

Log into the portal: The loan application portal is available on the NELFUND website (www.nelf.gov.ng). Log on to the students loan portal on the website.

Create an Account: On the loan portal, create an account or log in using your existing credentials if you have created an account before.

Documents required: Applicants will require the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission letter, the National Identification Number (NIN), and their Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Complete the application: Fill out the required information, including personal details, academic information, and financial need.

Submit your application: Review your application thoroughly before submission. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

Akintunde Sawyerr, the managing director of NELFUND, hosted a pre-application sensitisation conference on Monday in Abuja.

He said the loan scheme is designed to provide financial assistance for obligatory fees and stipends to needy students.

The MD said the scheme’s pilot phase is for students in federal institutions including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical schools whose institutions have completed and uploaded their student data.

He said the loan application process has been streamlined to ensure easy access for all eligible students in federal tertiary institutions.

Sawyerr said prospective applicants can begin their application process effective from May 24.

Highlighting the key features of the application portal, Sawyerr said it is designed such that no physical contact between the loan applicant and NELFUND is required.

He said the portal is user-friendly and simplifies applying for a student loan with an intuitive design that allows quick navigation.

He said the portal embodies an online support mechanism to assist students with questions or concerns during the application process.

Sawyerr said the student loan scheme remains interest-free and offers flexible repayment options to commence two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), provided the individual has secured employment.