How Uche Funded His University Fees with NELFUND: A Real Student Success Story
Uche’s Story: How NELFUND Helped Him Pay School Fees and Get ₦20K Monthly Upkeep
Uche, a recent graduate of the University of Uyo, was struggling to pay his school fees—until he discovered NELFUND. After reading a blog post on No Secret Media, he applied to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and was approved for both tuition support and a ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance.
“It felt like a miracle,” Uche said. “I didn’t believe the application would work, but in less than 30 days, my tuition was paid and I got alert for upkeep. NELFUND helped me stay in school.”
His story is just one of thousands. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a federally backed, interest-free student loan created under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2024. It is designed to help Nigerian students in public institutions—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—pay their school fees and receive monthly upkeep without worrying about repaying interest.
What NELFUND Covers
- Tuition fees (institutional charges)
- Monthly living allowance (₦20,000 minimum)
- No interest charged on the loan
- Covers all public tertiary institutions in Nigeria
π» How to Apply for NELFUND
The entire application process is done online, and you don’t need a physical form.
- Visit the official portal: portal.nelf.gov.ng
- Create an account with your email and phone number
- Fill in your JAMB registration number, NIN, and BVN
- Upload your admission letter and school ID
- Submit and wait for approval (takes up to 30 days)
Once approved, the loan is disbursed in two parts:
- Tuition goes directly to your school
- Upkeep allowance is sent to your bank account
How Many Students Have Benefited?
As of July 2025, NELFUND has disbursed over ₦77 billion to almost 400,000 students:
- ₦41.7 billion in tuition payments
- ₦35.3 billion in upkeep support
Uche is just one example of how impactful this scheme has become for students in need.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NELFUND, students must:
- Be enrolled in a public tertiary institution in Nigeria
- Have a valid admission letter, JAMB number, NIN, and BVN
- Not be a debtor to any loan institution
- Not be involved in cultism, exam malpractice, or criminal cases
If you meet these criteria, you can get approved just like Uche did—and receive your school fees and upkeep without delay.
What Happens After Graduation?
The NELFUND loan is not repaid immediately. You have a grace period after NYSC, and repayment only begins when you’re employed and earning above ₦100,000 monthly. It’s designed to ease financial stress—not add to it.
Also read: Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Two‑Week Tour Abroad
Why NELFUND Is a Game Changer
- It’s digital, fast, and fully automated
- Helps reduce school dropout rates
- Promotes equal access to education, regardless of income
For many students like Uche, it’s not just a policy—it’s the reason they’re still in school today.
π§ Final Advice for Applicants
If you’re currently enrolled in a public school and facing tuition issues or financial hardship, apply now at portal.nelf.gov.ng.
Be honest during the application. Double-check your BVN, admission number, and upload clear, legible documents. You’ll be contacted via SMS or email once approved.
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