All NELfund Issues Solved: Answers Regarding Student Loan Application and Disbursement

Nexus March 06, 2025 6

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has been a lifeline for many students seeking financial aid to cover their tuition and upkeep. However, many applicants face delays, verification issues, and unclear application processes. Below, we address some frequently asked questions by students from various institutions and provide possible solutions.

Federal University of Lafia

1. I applied in February and was verified, but I have not been approved. Will I be able to reapply?

Approval delays may occur due to pending school verification or system backlog. If you haven’t been approved for your ₦250,000 tuition loan and ₦20,000 monthly upkeep, monitor your NELFUND portal for updates. You may be eligible to reapply in the next batch.

2. I have been approved, but I haven’t received my upkeep money since November last year.

If your tuition of ₦150,000 has been settled but your ₦20,000 monthly upkeep is missing, check your bank details on the NELFUND portal. Incorrect details can delay disbursement. You can send an email to clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng

3. My school fees have been cleared, but I don’t see my upkeep.

Upkeep disbursement is separate from tuition payments. If you received your ₦200,000 tuition but your ₦15,000 monthly allowance hasn’t arrived, ensure your bank details are correct. Also, check if your school has forwarded the necessary clearance documents to NELFUND.

University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

4. I applied for a loan in January, but my tuition fees haven’t been paid. My exams start on Monday!

If your ₦180,000 tuition loan hasn’t been disbursed, confirm that your school has approved your application. I adviced you should pay your school fees and let them refund you when nelfund pays it.

5. My loan and upkeep have been approved, but I haven’t received any money. Also, my school fees of ₦150,000 on NELFUND isn’t updated.

Disbursements can take 4–6 weeks after approval. If your tuition was increased but not updated in the NELFUND system, your school must report the new amount to NELFUND for corrections.

Kaduna State University (KASU)

6. I applied in November 2024, but my loan is still verified, not approved. What is wrong?

If your ₦180,000 tuition and ₦20,000 upkeep haven’t been processed, ensure your school has completed its verification. You can also check if NELFUND has updated the payment status for the second batch of students.

7. If I apply for NELFUND and it’s verified but unpaid, can I reapply, or will they pay for last year?

If your ₦250,000 tuition loan from last year remains unpaid, you cannot reapply until NELFUND processes outstanding payments.

8. Are we required to apply for school fees and upkeep loans every year, or is it automatic?

NELFUND loans are not automatic. If you were approved for ₦200,000 tuition and ₦15,000 monthly upkeep last year, you must reapply for the next academic session.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria

9. My loan has been verified for a long time but not approved, and I can’t apply for a new loan.

If your ₦300,000 loan is still pending, ensure your school has completed its verification process. If your status remains unchanged for months, visit your school's finance office.

10. My school fees were paid, but I haven’t received my upkeep allowance.

If your ₦250,000 tuition was settled but your ₦20,000 monthly upkeep is missing, check your account number on the NELFUND portal. If incorrect, request a correction via email to clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng

Federal University Dutse (FUD)

11. I reapplied for the 2024/2025 NELFUND loan. When should I expect approval?

Approvals usually take 4–8 weeks. If you applied for ₦200,000 tuition and ₦20,000 upkeep, check your portal for status updates.

12. Do different birth dates on BVN and NIN cause NELFUND delays?

Yes, discrepancies in your BVN (linked to your ₦250,000 tuition loan) and NIN can cause verification issues. Ensure all details match and request corrections where necessary. 

Work and study abroad for free as a Nigerian Students 

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

13. I applied for a loan in May, but my status is still showing ‘verified.’

If your ₦150,000 tuition and ₦20,000 upkeep haven’t been approved, your school may not have completed verification.

14. I mistakenly entered the wrong account number. How do I correct it?

Incorrect bank details can delay your ₦200,000 tuition loan and ₦20,000 upkeep. Contact NELFUND immediately to update your information via email to clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng

Federal University of Gusau

15. I applied for NELFUND in July, was verified but not approved. What should I do?

Approval for a ₦180,000 tuition loan can take time. If your school had verification issues but later resolved them, inform NELFUND for a status update.

16. I mistakenly entered the wrong account number on my NELFUND application. How can I fix this?

Incorrect details may block disbursement of ₦20,000 monthly upkeep. Contact NELFUND support immediately via email to clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)

17. I applied for NELFUND last year and already paid my tuition, but I haven’t received any funds.

If you paid your ₦150,000 tuition out-of-pocket but were approved for a NELFUND loan, you should still receive your ₦20,000 monthly upkeep. Write a refunding request later to your school bursary.

Conclusion

NELFUND has provided many students with crucial financial assistance, covering tuition fees of up to ₦500,000 and monthly upkeep of ₦20,000. However, delays in approval, incorrect account details, and school verification issues can affect disbursement.

If you experience any issues with your NELFUND loan, always:

•  Check your NELFUND portal for updates.
• Verify your bank details and ensure your BVN and NIN match.
•  Contact your school’s finance office for verification status.
• Reach out to NELFUND support for urgent complaints via email to clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng

Are you still facing delays in your student loan approval? Share your experiences in the comments below