The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has raised fresh concerns over online scams targeting its student loan programme, warning Nigerians to disregard a fake 2026 registration portal currently circulating.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday, the Fund urged students and the public to verify all information and rely only on its approved communication channels.
“Please ensure you verify all links and rely only on our official channels for accurate information. Remain vigilant against misinformation, fake news, and potential scams,” the agency said.
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The warning follows the emergence of a fraudulent notice claiming that President Bola Tinubu had approved the opening of a new 2026 application portal due to challenges faced by students. The message also directed applicants to a suspicious website, presenting it as an official platform for loan registration and cash transfers.
NELFUND has described the notice and its accompanying link as fake.
The development adds to a growing pattern of scam attempts targeting the scheme. In recent months, similar messages have surfaced online, falsely announcing the reopening of application portals or promising easy access to loan funds.
The Fund has repeatedly cautioned applicants against clicking unverified links or submitting personal information on unofficial websites.
The student loan scheme, introduced under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act signed in 2024, provides interest-free loans to support Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
The facility covers tuition and includes a monthly upkeep allowance, with repayment scheduled to begin two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme.
As digital fraud continues to evolve, NELFUND has advised students, parents, and institutions to remain alert and report suspicious messages, stressing that all official updates will be communicated through its verified platforms.
