Fresh figures released by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) show that the Federal Government’s student loan programme is still expanding, with more students receiving tuition support and monthly upkeep allowances across public tertiary institutions.
As of August 2026, the Fund has disbursed more than ₦303.91 billion to eligible beneficiaries, making it one of the largest education funding programmes currently running in Nigeria. The latest dashboard also shows that over 1.63 million students have benefited from the scheme since applications opened in May 2024.
Beyond the national figures, more universities have continued to acknowledge receiving payments on behalf of their students, showing that the disbursement process is still active across different parts of the country.
For students who have already applied, those waiting for approval, and prospective applicants, this roundup explains the latest figures, recent payments, fresh developments and what they mean.
NELFUND Update at a Glance
| Item | Latest Update |
|---|---|
| Reporting Period | August 2026 |
| Total Applications Received | 1,800,489 |
| Total Beneficiaries | 1,635,676 Students |
| Total Amount Disbursed | ₦303.91 Billion |
| Tuition Paid to Institutions | ₦190.06 Billion |
| Upkeep Paid to Students | ₦113.85 Billion |
| Institutions Paid | 315 Public Tertiary Institutions |
| Programme Status | Ongoing |
Over 1.8 Million Applications Received
Interest in the Federal Government’s student loan programme has continued to grow since applications opened.
Although the loan is interest-free, beneficiaries will be expected to repay it after meeting the conditions set out under the Student Loans Act. Read our complete guide on NELFUND Loan Repayment: When Repayment Starts and How It Works.
According to the latest figures published by NELFUND, the Fund has received 1,800,489 applications from students seeking financial support for their education.
Out of this number, 1,635,676 students have already benefited through tuition payments, upkeep allowances or both.
The figures show that thousands of students who previously faced financial difficulties have been able to continue their studies with support provided under the scheme.
As more institutions complete verification and additional applications are processed, the number of beneficiaries is expected to increase further.
Total Disbursement Reaches ₦303.91 Billion
NELFUND’s latest dashboard shows that total disbursement has risen to ₦303.91 billion.
The payments are divided into two categories.
The larger portion covers tuition fees paid directly to approved tertiary institutions on behalf of eligible students.
The second portion consists of monthly upkeep allowances paid into the bank accounts of approved beneficiaries to assist with their living expenses while studying.
The latest breakdown shows:
- ₦190.06 billion paid directly to 315 public tertiary institutions as tuition fees.
- ₦113.85 billion paid to students as upkeep allowances.
The figures confirm that both tuition and upkeep payments are continuing under the programme.
More Universities Continue to Receive NELFUND Payments
Another development this month is the continued release of tuition payments to participating institutions across Nigeria.
Several universities have confirmed receiving fresh disbursements from NELFUND for eligible students, providing further evidence that the programme remains active.
These acknowledgements also give students confidence that approved applications are still being processed and paid.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Receives Over ₦401.7 Million
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), confirmed the receipt of ₦401,752,080 from NELFUND as the second batch of registration fee payments for the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the university, the payment covers 4,323 students.
The institution acknowledged the receipt of the funds and expressed appreciation for the continued support provided through the student loan programme.
For students of the university whose applications have already been approved, the latest payment provides further confirmation that tuition disbursement is continuing.
Niger Delta University Receives ₦126.07 Million
Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa State, has also confirmed receiving ₦126,070,000 from NELFUND.
The payment covers the tuition fees of 1,125 students.
University management acknowledged the receipt of the funds and welcomed the support, noting that it would ease the financial burden on many students.
The payment is another example of how participating institutions continue to receive tuition disbursements as more student applications are processed.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Receives Fresh Credit
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has also joined the growing list of institutions receiving fresh NELFUND payments.
The university recently received ₦19,797,500 for 175 students under the 2025/2026 academic session.
Although the amount is smaller than payments made to some larger institutions, it shows that NELFUND continues to release funds as eligible applications are approved.
Students whose schools have not yet announced similar payments should note that institutions receive disbursements at different times, depending on the completion of verification and approval processes.
What the Latest Figures Mean for Students
The latest dashboard figures and recent university acknowledgements point to one clear message: the NELFUND student loan programme is still active, and payments are continuing.
For students whose tuition has already been paid, the focus now shifts to upkeep allowances and monitoring future updates from the Fund.
Those whose applications are still under review should continue to monitor their application status and ensure that all information submitted during registration is accurate.
It is also important to remember that payments are not released to every institution or every applicant at the same time. Verification, confirmation of student records and institutional processing all play a role in determining when disbursement is made.
Latest Update on NELFUND Upkeep Payments
Alongside tuition payments, NELFUND has continued to process monthly upkeep allowances for eligible students across public tertiary institutions.
The upkeep allowance is paid directly into the bank accounts provided by successful applicants during registration, helping beneficiaries meet day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, transportation, feeding and study materials.
In recent weeks, many students confirmed receiving credit alerts after earlier delays, while others are still waiting for payments to reflect.
The latest figures published by NELFUND show that ₦113.85 billion has so far been paid to students as upkeep allowances, making it one of the largest student support programmes currently available in Nigeria.
Although payments are ongoing, not every beneficiary receives funds on the same day. Processing timelines often depend on verification, institutional confirmation and the completion of internal checks before money is released.
Why Some Students Are Still Waiting for Payment
One question that continues to appear across social media and student forums is:
“My application was approved. Why haven’t I received my upkeep allowance?”
In most cases, delayed payment does not automatically mean an application has been rejected.
Several factors may affect how quickly tuition or upkeep payments are processed.
These include:
- Verification of student records.
- Confirmation from the applicant’s institution.
- Validation of bank account details.
- Processing of newly approved applications.
- Administrative reconciliation before payment.
Students who are yet to receive their upkeep allowance are advised to avoid making assumptions based on payments received by friends or classmates.
Applications are processed individually, and payment timelines may differ even for students attending the same institution.
NELFUND Reassures Students
As more students continue to ask questions about the programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, has urged beneficiaries and prospective applicants not to be discouraged by misinformation surrounding the student loan scheme.
Speaking during the Renewed Hope Students’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme (DAP) – South East Zone, Sawyerr said students should have confidence in the programme.
“We are reassuring students that they have nothing to fear about NELFUND. The intervention is not a trick or trap; it is an opportunity to pursue their academic goals.”
His remarks come at a time when some students remain uncertain about the programme because of false information circulating online.
NELFUND has repeatedly advised applicants to rely on verified information and to avoid unofficial websites or individuals claiming they can guarantee approval.
Common Questions Students Are Asking
As the programme expands, several issues continue to generate discussion among applicants.
1. When Will My School Receive My Tuition Payment?
Tuition payments are released after applications have been verified and approved.
Participating institutions also complete their own confirmation processes before payments are reflected in student records.
Because institutions do not complete these processes at the same time, some schools receive payments earlier than others.
2. Why Has Another Student Been Paid Before Me?
Payment schedules are not determined by the date a student submits an application alone.
Verification, institutional confirmation and payment processing all influence when funds are released.
Two students from the same institution may therefore receive payment on different dates.
3. Can My Application Still Be Approved?
Yes.
NELFUND continues to process applications submitted through its official portal.
Students whose applications are still under review should continue to monitor their status and watch for any request for additional information.
Avoid Fake NELFUND Registration Offers
As interest in the student loan programme grows, fake registration links and fraudulent offers have also become more common.
Students should remember the following:
- NELFUND does not charge applicants to register.
- No individual or agent can guarantee approval.
- Tuition and upkeep payments are processed through official procedures.
- Applications should only be submitted through the official NELFUND portal.
Anyone requesting money to secure approval should be treated with caution.
What Students Should Do Now
Whether you have already applied or intend to submit an application, there are practical steps you can take while waiting for updates.
Check Your Application Status
Log in to your NELFUND account regularly to monitor any changes to your application.
Confirm Your Details
Ensure that your personal information, institution and bank account details are accurate.
Incorrect information can slow down verification or payment.
Looking for more government support programmes? You may also be interested in our guides on the YouthCred Loan, Government Loans Available in Nigeria, and Federal Government Grants for Nigerians.
Stay in Touch With Your Institution
If your application has been approved but your tuition has not been reflected, contact your institution’s bursary, student affairs office or designated NELFUND desk for clarification.
Follow Official Updates
Avoid relying solely on rumours shared through WhatsApp groups or social media.
Official announcements from NELFUND remain the most reliable source of information regarding applications and payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NELFUND still accepting applications?
Yes. Eligible students in public tertiary institutions can continue to submit applications through the official NELFUND portal.
How much has NELFUND disbursed so far?
According to the latest available figures for August 2026, NELFUND has disbursed more than ₦303.91 billion to over 1.63 million beneficiaries.
How much has been paid as upkeep?
NELFUND has paid approximately ₦113.85 billion as upkeep allowances to eligible students.
How much has been paid to schools?
More than ₦190.06 billion has been paid directly to 315 public tertiary institutions to cover approved tuition fees.
Can private university students apply?
The current programme is designed for eligible students attending public tertiary institutions, subject to NELFUND’s prevailing guidelines.
Does NELFUND pay tuition directly to students?
No.
Approved tuition fees are paid directly to participating institutions, while upkeep allowances are paid into the beneficiary’s registered bank account.
Can I still apply for the NELFUND student loan in August 2026?
Yes. Eligible students studying in public tertiary institutions can still submit applications through the official NELFUND portal. Before applying, ensure your institution is participating in the programme and that your details are accurate.
Is the NELFUND student loan free?
The application process is free. Students should never pay anyone to register, process or fast-track their applications.
The loan itself is interest-free, but beneficiaries are expected to repay it after meeting the repayment conditions provided under the Student Loans Act.
Will my application be rejected if my school has not received payment?
Not necessarily.
Institutions receive payments at different times after verification has been completed. If your school has not announced receiving funds, it does not automatically mean your application has been declined.
Can I receive tuition and upkeep payments at the same time?
The two payments follow different channels.
Approved tuition fees are sent directly to institutions, while upkeep allowances are paid into the beneficiary’s registered bank account.
Depending on the stage of processing, one payment may be completed before the other.
What happens if my application is still under review?
Applications remain under review until the required verification has been completed.
Students should continue checking their dashboard regularly and watch for any request to provide additional information.
Can I edit my application after submission?
If you discover an error after submitting your application, check the NELFUND portal for available options or contact the appropriate support channel for guidance.
Avoid creating another application, as duplicate submissions may delay processing.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
More universities are expected to confirm receiving tuition payments as NELFUND continues processing approved applications.
The number of beneficiaries is also expected to increase as additional students complete verification and new applications are approved.
Students who have already submitted their applications should continue monitoring their dashboards, emails and official announcements for updates relating to tuition payments, upkeep allowances and application status.
Applicants whose institutions are still completing verification should remain patient while the necessary checks are concluded.
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