Students in private universities across Nigeria may one day benefit from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) if a new appeal by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) receives government approval.
The Southwest leadership of NANS has called on the Federal Government to expand the student loan scheme to include students studying in private universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The association argues that while the current NELFUND programme has provided financial relief for thousands of students in public tertiary institutions, many students attending private institutions are also facing serious financial challenges and deserve the same opportunity.
For now, however, there has been no official announcement from the Federal Government or NELFUND extending the scheme to private institutions.
In this article, we explain what NANS is asking for, who currently qualifies for the student loan, and what private institution students should know.
Can Private University Students Apply for NELFUND?
No.
Under the current guidelines, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund is available only to eligible students enrolled in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
This means students studying in private universities, private polytechnics and other privately owned higher institutions are not currently eligible to apply for the loan.
Although there have been growing calls for the programme to be expanded, the Federal Government has not announced any changes to the existing eligibility requirements.
Students are therefore advised to rely only on updates published through the official NELFUND channels and avoid individuals claiming that private institution students can already apply.
Why NANS Wants Private Institution Students Included
Speaking during a press briefing in Osogbo, Osun State, the Southwest leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students said excluding private institution students from the scheme leaves out a significant number of Nigerians who also need financial support.
According to the association’s Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, many students currently studying in private institutions did not necessarily choose those schools because they were more affordable.
He explained that some students ended up in private institutions after being unable to secure admission into public universities because of limited admission spaces.
NANS believes that access to financial assistance should not be determined solely by whether a student attends a public or private institution, especially when many families are struggling with rising education costs.
The association therefore urged the Federal Government to review the current policy and consider extending NELFUND to qualified students in private tertiary institutions.
What Is NELFUND?
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a Federal Government initiative established to make higher education more accessible by providing interest-free student loans to eligible Nigerians studying in public tertiary institutions.
The programme was introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce the financial burden on students and their families while improving access to university, polytechnic and college education.
Unlike commercial loans offered by banks, NELFUND does not charge interest on the education loans provided to successful applicants.
Approved funds are paid directly to institutions to cover tuition fees, while eligible students may also receive financial support for approved upkeep expenses.
Since its launch, the programme has become one of the Federal Government’s flagship education support initiatives.
Why Students Are Calling for an Expansion
According to NANS, the financial challenges affecting students are no longer limited to public institutions.
Many private university students are also struggling with rising tuition fees, accommodation costs, transportation expenses and other everyday costs associated with studying in Nigeria.
The association believes expanding NELFUND would make the programme more inclusive and ensure that deserving students are not excluded simply because they attend privately owned institutions.
NANS maintained that education remains a national priority and that financial support should reach as many qualified students as possible.
Major Concerns Raised by NANS
During the briefing, the student body highlighted several issues affecting students across the Southwest.
Among them are:
- Rising tuition fees in many tertiary institutions.
- High cost of off-campus accommodation.
- Limited access to affordable education financing for private institution students.
- Increasing financial pressure on parents and guardians.
- The growing cost of transportation, feeding and other living expenses.
According to the association, these challenges have made it increasingly difficult for many students to complete their education without financial assistance.
NANS Calls for More Awareness of the Student Loan
Beyond asking for the scheme to be expanded, NANS also appealed to students in public institutions who are already eligible for the loan to take advantage of the opportunity.
The association urged student union leaders to educate their members on how the programme works and encourage qualified students to apply.
According to the student body, many students miss out on government opportunities simply because they are unaware of the application process or have incorrect information about the scheme.
NANS recommended increased awareness on:
- How to apply for the NELFUND student loan.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Required documents.
- Loan approval process.
- Repayment conditions after graduation.
The association believes stronger awareness campaigns across campuses will improve participation and reduce misinformation.
Concerns Over Rising Accommodation Costs
NANS also expressed concern over the increasing cost of renting accommodation around tertiary institutions in the Southwest.
The association called on state governments and Houses of Assembly in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo States to introduce measures that protect students from excessive rent increases.
It referenced the Lagos State Tenancy Bill of 2025 as an example of efforts aimed at improving housing conditions and regulating tenancy practices.
According to NANS, accommodation has become one of the biggest financial burdens for students, with many families now spending far more on rent than they did a few years ago
How NELFUND Currently Works
For students studying in eligible public institutions, the application process generally involves:
- Registering on the official NELFUND portal.
- Providing personal and academic information.
- Verification of admission and student status by the institution.
- Review of the application.
- Approval and disbursement of tuition payments directly to the institution.
- Payment of approved upkeep support where applicable.
Applicants are expected to provide accurate information throughout the application process. Any false declaration or incorrect documentation may delay processing or result in disqualification.
Will the Federal Government Extend NELFUND to Private Institutions?
At the time of publication, the Federal Government has not announced any decision to expand NELFUND to private tertiary institutions.
The recent statement by NANS represents an appeal from the student body and should not be interpreted as a policy change or official approval.
If the government decides to review the current framework, any changes to the eligibility requirements are expected to be communicated through official NELFUND and Federal Government channels.
Until then, only students who currently meet the existing requirements remain eligible to apply.
What Private Institution Students Should Do for Now
Students studying in private universities and other private tertiary institutions are encouraged to monitor official announcements regarding the future of the student loan programme.
They should also avoid anyone claiming to process NELFUND applications for private institutions or requesting payment to secure approval.
If the programme is eventually expanded, the Federal Government will announce the new eligibility requirements and application procedures through its official platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can private university students apply for NELFUND?
No. At present, only eligible students in public tertiary institutions can apply.
Has the Federal Government approved NANS’ request?
No. The government has not announced any approval to extend NELFUND to private institutions.
Why is NANS requesting an expansion?
The association believes students in private institutions also face financial challenges and should have access to the same education funding opportunities.
Will NELFUND be extended in the future?
There is currently no official confirmation. Any future expansion will be announced by the Federal Government.
Is the NELFUND loan free?
Yes. NELFUND provides interest-free education loans to eligible students under the programme.
Final Note
The call by the National Association of Nigerian Students has renewed discussions about whether the Nigerian Education Loan Fund should cover students in private tertiary institutions. While the proposal has received attention, no policy change has been announced, and the programme remains limited to eligible students in public institutions.
For students hoping to benefit from any future expansion, the best approach is to follow updates from official government sources and avoid unverified claims circulating on social media.
Zoeeb will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates if the Federal Government reviews the current NELFUND eligibility guidelines.
???? Stay Empowered with ZOEEB
Join our community for daily updates on jobs, skills, and financial growth opportunities.
