The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially started disbursing the April 2025 upkeep payment to qualified students across Nigeria. This initiative falls under the broader student loan program designed to relieve financial pressure on students in public tertiary institutions.
As of May 19, 2025, many students began receiving their N20,000 monthly upkeep allowance directly into their bank accounts. This disbursement is part of President Bola Tinubu’s education support strategy, ensuring that students not only receive tuition loans but also financial help for daily living.
This update covers key information about the NELFUND April upkeep disbursement, how to confirm payment, who is eligible, and what to do if there’s a delay.
What Is NELFUND April Upkeep Disbursement?
The NELFUND April upkeep disbursement refers to the monthly living allowance given to students who successfully applied for both the NELFUND student loan and the upkeep allowance through the official portal.
Each approved student receives N20,000 to help with feeding, transportation, and other daily needs. According to NELFUND’s official statistics, over N53 billion has already been disbursed in upkeep and institutional loans, covering over 192,906 beneficiaries.
This stipend is a non-tuition support and is sent directly to the student’s bank account without intermediaries. It supplements the education loan and ensures that students don’t abandon school due to financial stress.
Who Is Eligible for NELFUND Upkeep Allowance?
To qualify for the April upkeep allowance in Nigeria, students must meet a few specific criteria set by NELFUND. These include:
- Nigerian citizenship with a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Enrollment in an approved Nigerian tertiary institution
- A minimum academic performance (CGPA), depending on the institution’s standards
- Proof of financial need, such as parent/guardian income level or employment status
- Two eligible guarantors (such as civil servants, religious leaders, professionals)
It is important to note that NELFUND upkeep allowance eligibility is tied to the successful application of the student loan. Students who did not opt for upkeep during the loan application cannot apply for it separately.
Steps to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan and Upkeep
The application process is entirely online and managed through the NELFUND portal (https://nelf.gov.ng). Follow these steps to apply:
- Create an Account: Sign up using a valid email and secure password.
- Profile Completion: Fill in personal details, academic records, and financial background.
- Upload Documents: Include your admission letter, passport photograph, BVN, and NIN.
- Guarantor Submission: Add contact and identification information for your guarantors.
- Submit for Verification: Your institution will verify your enrollment and CGPA before NELFUND processes the loan and upkeep disbursement.
Once verified, you will receive notifications on the portal or via email. It usually takes about 30 to 40 working days for approval and processing.
NELFUND April 2025 Disbursement Issues: Why Some Payments Are Delayed
While the April 2025 upkeep payment has started, some students have reported not receiving their stipend. According to NELFUND, a few common reasons may cause delays:
- System Upgrade: A recent technical upgrade on the NELFUND portal temporarily affected some payment processing. The issue is currently being resolved.
- Verification Issues: If your school hasn’t verified your enrollment or CGPA, the loan and upkeep funds will be withheld until confirmation.
- Data Errors: Mismatches between your NIN, BVN, and JAMB details can hold up payment.
- Guarantor Problems: Invalid or unverified guarantor details can also delay the disbursement.
If you are affected, you should log in to your NELFUND dashboard and ensure your information is complete. You can also contact your school’s student affairs unit or email NELFUND directly at [email protected].
How to Check NELFUND April Upkeep Payment Status
You can easily confirm if your NELFUND student loan disbursement or upkeep payment has been processed using the following method:
- Go to https://nelf.gov.ng
- Log in with your registered email and password
- Click on “Application Dashboard”
- Review the payment status and approval updates
- If unresolved, use the support ticket system or email NELFUND for help
Always ensure that your bank details, academic record, and personal data are updated before reaching out. This helps the support team track and process your issue faster.
NELFUND Disbursement Timeline and Statistics
As of March 2025, NELFUND disbursement timeline data shows steady progress in funding both tuition and upkeep allowances across Nigeria. According to verified figures released by the agency, over N53 billion has been disbursed to cover institutional and upkeep payments.
Below is a breakdown of major institutions that received substantial amounts under the NELFUND student loan Nigeria program:
| Institution | Students Approved | Amount Disbursed (₦) |
| Bayero University, Kano | 11,683 | 1,339,145,000 |
| University of Maiduguri | 12,198 | 1,271,428,000 |
| University of Jos | 6,988 | 941,404,000 |
| Federal University Dutsin-Ma | 8,978 | 909,476,450 |
| Federal University Kashere | 4,199 | 544,088,500 |
| Modibbo Adama University | 5,849 | 528,511,350 |
| Federal University, Dutse | 5,451 | 593,320,000 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | 380 | 50,410,000 |
| Federal College of Education, Obudu | 322 | 21,789,500 |
| Plateau State University, Bokkos | 1,882 | 163,706,000 |
This data highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to support students nationwide through both institutional funding and the N20,000 student stipend under the NELFUND upkeep payment 2025 plan.
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Troubleshooting NELFUND Disbursement Issues
If you haven’t received your NELFUND April 2025 upkeep payment, take these steps to fix common problems:
1. Confirm Your Application Details
Ensure your personal information on the NELFUND portal application matches your BVN, NIN, and school records. Mismatches are one of the top causes of delays in student loan Nigeria 2025 processing.
2. Contact Your Institution
Your school plays a key role in the verification process. Speak to your institution’s student affairs unit or bursary office to confirm that your records have been sent to NELFUND.
3. Reach Out to NELFUND Support
Use the official email [email protected] or raise a complaint through the portal. Provide your full name, application number, and institution to speed up the resolution process.
Remember, the system upgrade currently being rolled out is part of efforts to secure and streamline NELFUND student loan disbursement.
What is NELFUND April upkeep disbursement?
It is the monthly N20,000 support given to students who opted in for upkeep when applying for the NELFUND loan.
How do I know if I’m eligible for upkeep allowance for students?
You must be a current student in a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution, meet academic and financial need requirements, and have completed your loan application.
When will NELFUND disburse April 2025 upkeep payment to all students?
The disbursement began on May 19, 2025, and is ongoing. It depends on institutional verification and correct application details.
Why is my NELFUND upkeep payment delayed?
Delays may result from system upgrades, data mismatches, or incomplete school verification.
How can I check NELFUND April upkeep payment status online?
Log in to your profile at https://nelf.gov.ng, go to your dashboard, and check for payment approval and disbursement updates.
NELFUND Loan Application Guide for 2025 Applicants
If you are a new applicant preparing for future disbursements, here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the official NELFUND site
- Ensure you have valid identification: NIN, BVN, school admission letter
- Apply early to avoid last-minute delays
- Choose the option to include upkeep allowance during your loan application
- Ensure your guarantors are reachable and verifiable
Starting early and keeping records accurate can make the NELFUND student loan Nigeria process much smoother for you.
Final Word
The NELFUND April 2025 disbursement is a major relief for Nigerian students facing economic hardship. Though some beneficiaries have encountered NELFUND April 2025 disbursement issues, the agency has shown continued commitment to resolving complaints and disbursing payments fairly.
Students are encouraged to remain patient, follow up appropriately, and make use of the official channels provided. With the combined effort of schools, the government, and support teams, more students are expected to receive their April upkeep allowance Nigeria in the coming days.
