The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on all accredited tertiary institutions across the country to update their existing student records and upload their details ahead of the portal opening for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, director, strategic communications of NELFUND, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to her, the updating and unloading have to do with returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Students Verification Portal, ahead of the official opening of the portal for the 2025/2026 academic.

Ms Oluwatuyi said that the proactive exercise aimed at ensuring a seamless verification and loan application process for students once the portal opens.

“Institutions are, therefore, required to ensure that each student’s data is accurately captured and uploaded, using the admission number or any other unique and verifiable identifier.

“NELFUND recognises the vital role that tertiary institutions play in the success of the ‘Education Loan Scheme’.

“Seeking their continued cooperation and partnership in achieving the collective goal of expanding access to higher education for all eligible Nigerian students,” she said.

She further said that only students whose details have been duly uploaded and verified through their respective institutions would be eligible to apply for and benefit from the loan scheme.

“As such, NELFUND urges all institutions to commence and complete the upload process promptly, designating appropriate officers to oversee this critical exercise in line with the provided technical guidelines.

“This collaboration is key to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind, as the Fund prepares to open its application portal for the new academic session.

“For technical support or further enquiries, institutions are advised to reach NELFUND through the official communication channels or official social media platforms listed below.

“Email: data@nelf.gov.ng, X (formerly Twitter): @nelfund, Instagram: @nelfund, Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND and website: www.nelf.gov.ng,” she announced.

(NAN)