Nigeria’s interest-free student loan programme has quickly become one of the most relied-upon education support systems in the country.

Since its launch, thousands of undergraduates have signed up to access tuition funding and daily upkeep allowances, making the scheme a lifeline for families struggling with rising living costs.

By October 2025, the NELFUND portal had recorded 451,535 successful applications, reflecting the growing urgency among students who depend on the scheme to continue their studies.

With school fees rising and the cost of living nationwide increasing, demand for government-backed financial support has reached a historic high.

Less than two years after its rollout on May 24, 2024, NELFUND has already disbursed over N116 billion in tuition payments and student upkeep.

1. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno — 85,050 Applications

Founded in 1975, UNIMAID is one of the largest universities in northern Nigeria, serving more than 80,000 students across 37 faculties and centres.
The institution recorded 33,673 undergraduate loan applications—a reflection of how heavily students depend on NELFUND to stay in school. UNIMAID offers programmes in agriculture, engineering, medicine, law, and humanities.

2. Bayero University, Kano (BUK) — 54,419 Applications

BUK, established in 1977, remains a major academic hub in the North. With nearly 39,000 students and 163 undergraduate programmes, the university recorded 54,419 applications, including 26,595 approved for upkeep, among the highest nationwide.
BUK is ranked 3rd in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education 2026 Rankings.

3. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina — 50,737 Applications

Created in 2011, FUDMA runs nine faculties and over 73 departments, serving nearly 30,000 students. By October 2025, the institution logged 50,737 applications, with 25,074 upkeep approvals.
The university offers programmes spanning agriculture, sciences, social sciences, education, and medical sciences.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — 46,663 Applications

One of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities, ABU recorded 46,663 applications, with 23,004 approvals.
With over 35,000 students, 18 faculties, and 110 departments, ABU is ranked 6th in Nigeria and 1201–1500 globally by THE.

5. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara — 44,735 Applications

UNILORIN is among Nigeria’s most populous universities, hosting more than 50,000 students. It recorded 44,735 applications, with over 21,506 approved.
The university has 16 faculties, 100 departments, and 29 research centres.

6. University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau — 35,913 Applications

UNIJOS, established in 1975, runs 12 faculties and serves about 40,000 students. By October, it had received 35,913 applications, including 17,606 upkeep requests.
The institution also benefits from the strong clinical training support of its teaching hospital, JUTH.

7. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) — 35,714 Applications

UDUS recorded 35,714 applications, with 17,603 for upkeep.
Founded in 1975, the university operates 17 faculties and multiple research centres, attracting thousands of students from underserved communities across the North-West.

8. Federal University of Kashere (FUKashere), Gombe — 34,208 Applications

Founded in 2010, FUKashere is one of the fastest-growing institutions in the North-East. It received 34,208 applications, including 16,878 for upkeep.
The university operates six faculties and several postgraduate programmes.

9. Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo — 32,030 Applications

TSU recorded 32,030 applications, with 15,712 students seeking upkeep support.
Since its founding in 2008, the university has expanded rapidly and now hosts programmes across agriculture, science, management, ICT, and the social sciences.

10. University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom — 31,826 Applications

Established in 1991, UNIUYO operates across five major campuses and hosts more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The university recorded 31,826 applications, with 15,605 upkeep requests, indicating strong engagement with the NELFUND scheme.