Full List of Universities With Most NELFUND Loan Applications

• A new report has shown that the University of Maiduguri topped the September 2025 NELFUND loan applications with 43,204 requests
• A further breakdown showed Northern universities dominated the list, reflecting rising demand for federal student loans
• NELFUND’s flexible repayment plan continues to draw thousands of students seeking financial relief

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has recorded a surge in applications for September 2025, with the University of Maiduguri emerging as the top institution for student loan requests.

Data released by StatiSense shows that the university received 43,204 applications, the highest across all Nigerian tertiary institutions for the month.

Northern universities dominate NELFUND chart

Bayero University, Kano followed with 27,736 applications, while the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma came third with 24,810.

Ahmadu Bello University secured 23,338 applications and the University of Ilorin rounded out the top five with 21,921.

Other universities with significant numbers include Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology with 15,021, University of Uyo with 15,681, Taraba State University with 14,989, Federal University Dutse with 14,767, and Federal University of Kashere with 14,698. Kaduna State University and Ekiti State University also made the list with 10,163 and 9,739 applications respectively.

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Nigerian student's reliance on NELFUND grows

The figures reflect growing reliance on the federal student loan scheme, which was restructured in 2024 under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act signed by President Bola Tinubu.

NELFUND was established to provide interest-free loans to Nigerian students to cover tuition, upkeep, and other charges in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational institutions.

Its creation followed widespread complaints about the shortcomings of the 2023 student loan initiative, which struggled with governance and repayment issues.

NELFUND operates through an online portal that simplifies the application process and provides clear eligibility criteria.

The fund also offers flexible repayment plans tied to graduates’ income levels and includes a grace period before repayment begins, according to the Ministry of Education.

This model is designed to reduce the financial pressure on beneficiaries and improve loan recovery.

The sharp rise in applications suggests that awareness of the scheme is spreading rapidly among students facing rising education costs.

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The high numbers from universities in the North-East and North-West highlight both economic need and strong enrolment figures in those regions.

Many also note that the data underscores persistent demand for accessible funding as families struggle with tuition and living expenses.

NELFUND management has previously reported disbursements of nearly three billion naira to beneficiaries across multiple institutions, signaling steady implementation of the policy.

The September figures are expected to inform future budgetary allocations and the fund’s strategy for managing the increasing volume of requests.

FG opens portal to provide free loans

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government had officially opened the application portal for YouthCred, a new initiative that provides Nigerian youths, especially NYSC members and young entrepreneurs, access to loans without the usual hurdles of collateral or a long credit history.

The programme, powered by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp), is part of a broader move to transform Nigeria’s credit culture and financially empower the next generation.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng