Overview

FULL LIST: Top 10 Institutions with highest NELFUND loan applications as of October 2025
   Nigeria’s new student loan programme has emerged as one of the country’s most closely watched education support initiatives, drawing a surge of interest since its rollout.

In October 2025 alone, the portal recorded 451,535 successful interest-free loan applications—underscoring how quickly students are embracing the opportunity to fund tuition and upkeep costs.

The rise in applications comes at a time when many households are struggling with higher living expenses, increased fees across public universities, and broader economic pressures. For a growing number of students, the loan scheme has become an essential lifeline for staying in school and covering daily costs.
Less than two years after its launch on May 24, 2024, the programme has disbursed more than N116 billion in both tuition payments and upkeep allowances. The figures highlight just how extensively students now rely on government-backed financing to continue their studies.

This report examines the institutions with the highest volume of applications, offering insight into where demand for educational support is strongest.
Established in 1975, the University of Maiduguri is one of the largest federal institutions in northern Nigeria. With a student population of 83,980, the university operates 37 faculties and centres, 103 departments, and boasts 112 professors.

The school recorded 33,673 undergraduate loan applications, reflecting one of the strongest adoption rates of the NELFUND scheme nationwide. As the loans are available only to undergraduates, the high turnout demonstrates significant student reliance on government-backed financial support.

UNIMAID offers extensive programmes in agriculture, medicine, engineering, law, and humanities, serving more than 50,000 students across various levels.
Founded in 1977, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has grown into a major academic hub in northern Nigeria. It runs 97 departments offering 163 undergraduate and 524 postgraduate programmes to its 38,829 students.

The institution recorded 54,419 total applications, with 26,595 students approved for upkeep support—one of the highest nationwide.
BUK ranks 3rd in Nigeria and 1001–1200 globally in the Times Higher Education 2026 World University Rankings.
Established in 2011, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) was part of the federal initiative to expand access to higher education. It operates nine faculties, 73 departments and serves 29,447 students, including 26,819 undergraduates.

By October, FUDMA had received 50,737 loan applications, with 25,074 approved for upkeep support.

The university runs 248 undergraduate and over 1,000 postgraduate programmes across fields including Agriculture, Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Education, and Medical Sciences.
FUDMA is not ranked in THE 2026 World University Rankings.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (Kaduna): 46,663 applications
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—established in 1962—is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious federal institutions.

With about 35,000 students, 18 faculties, and 110 departments, ABU boasts 2,939 academic staff, including 641 professors.
The university recorded 46,663 total applications, with 23,004 students approved for upkeep.

ABU ranks 6th best in Nigeria and 1201–1500 globally in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

5. University of Ilorin (Kwara): 44,735 applications
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), founded in 1975, is one of Nigeria’s largest universities, enrolling more than 50,000 students. It operates 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments, alongside 29 research centres and institutes.
UNILORIN received 44,735 NELFUND applications, with 21,506 approved for upkeep.
The school is not featured in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

6. University of Jos (Plateau): 35,913 applications
The University of Jos (UNIJOS), established in 1975, runs 12 faculties across multiple campuses, covering Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences.
With a student population of about 40,000, the institution recorded 35,913 applications, including 17,606 upkeep requests.
UNIJOS is not featured in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.
Its teaching hospital, JUTH, strengthens its medical and clinical training capacity.
7. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Sokoto): 35,714 applications
Founded in 1975, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) serves communities across Nigeria’s northwest, including many from underserved backgrounds.

UDUS recorded 35,714 total applications, with 17,603 for upkeep support—reflecting strong interest in financial aid.

The university operates 17 faculties, a postgraduate school, and multiple research centres. It has an estimated 23,491 students, according to THE data.
UDUS is not featured in the THE 2026 rankings, though it appeared in the 1501+ band in 2025.

8. Federal University of Kashere (Gombe): 34,208 applications
Founded in 2010, Federal University of Kashere (FUKashere) has grown steadily as part of efforts to expand higher education access in the North-East.

The institution runs six faculties and postgraduate programmes. It recorded 34,208 loan applications, with 16,878 for upkeep.
According to NUC data, the university has 4,694 students (3,591 male and 1,103 female).

FUKashere is not ranked in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

9. Taraba State University, Jalingo (Taraba): 32,030 applications
Taraba State University (TSU), founded in 2008, has experienced rapid growth from its initial 582 students to matriculating 5,471 students in 2023.
TSU recorded 32,030 applications, including 15,712 for upkeep support, showing strong demand for financial assistance beyond tuition.

The university hosts faculties in Agriculture, Science, Arts and Social Sciences, Management, Education, and ICT.

NUC records show 4,302 registered students (2,617 male and 1,685 female).
TSU is not featured in THE 2026 World University Rankings.

10. University of Uyo (Akwa Ibom): 31,826 applications
Established in 1991, the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) operates across five major campuses and offers more than 90 programmes across 12 faculties. It employs 1,521 academic staff and 4,128 administrative workers.

UNIUYO recorded 31,826 total applications, with 15,605 for upkeep, indicating strong engagement with the loan scheme.
The university has 23,873 students (12,435 male and 11,438 female), according to NUC data.

Its teaching hospital, UUTH, enhances its capabilities in health sciences and medical training.
https://thenationonlineng.net/full-list-top-10-institutions-wit-highest-nelfund-loan-applications-as-of-october-2025/