NELFUND 2.0: How to Get Your ₦25,000 Monthly Upkeep Allowance in 2026
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has revolutionized how students survive on campus. Beyond paying your tuition directly to your school, the most anticipated part of the scheme is the Monthly Upkeep Allowance. With the 2026 "NELFUND 2.0" expansion, here is everything you need to know about qualifying for and receiving your monthly stipend.
What is the NELFUND Upkeep Allowance?
The upkeep allowance is a monthly stipend paid directly into the personal bank account of students who have been approved for the NELFUND student loan.
Tuition: Paid to the school.
Upkeep: Paid to YOU.
Amount: While the initial phase provided ₦20,000, the 2026 "2.0" updates aim to address inflation with a projected ₦25,000 monthly payment for eligible students.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Beneficiaries
To access the upkeep allowance, you must meet these four requirements:
Admission: You must be a full-time student in a Federal or State-owned tertiary institution (University, Polytechnic, or College of Education).
JAMB & NIN: Your JAMB registration number and National Identification Number (NIN) must be linked and verified.
BVN: You must have a valid Bank Verification Number and a commercial bank account (Digital wallets like OPay/PalmPay are often restricted for these disbursements).
Institutional Verification: Your school must have uploaded your data to the NELFUND portal.
3. Step-by-Step Application Box
Step-by-Step: How to Request Upkeep
- Create Account: Visit portal.nelf.gov.ng and register with your NIN.
- Verify Student Status: Input your Matriculation Number or JAMB Number.
- Select "Request for Upkeep": During the loan application, you must check the box for "Upkeep Loan." If you only select "Institutional Charges," you won't get the monthly allowance.
- Upload Admission Letter: Ensure the file is clear and under the required size (usually 2MB).
- Submit & Track: Monitor your dashboard status. Once it changes to "Disbursed," your money is on the way.
4. Why Your Upkeep is "Pending" (Table)
Why is my NELFUND Upkeep Pending?
| Status | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Pending | Application received; school hasn't verified your data yet. |
| Verified | Your school has confirmed you are a student. Awaiting final NELFUND approval. |
| Disbursement in Progress | Money has been sent to the bank. Check your account within 48-72 hours. |
Important Tip: If you need a private loan while waiting for your NELFUND disbursement, make sure to read our guide on the Best Loan Apps in Nigeria to avoid predatory lenders and high interest rates.
