- The Management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), through the Directorate of Public Affairs, wishes to address recent concerns and widespread misinformation circulating among students regarding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
This circular provides accurate and official information on the payment of monthly upkeep allowances and the ongoing loan application process for the 2025/2026 academic session.
1. CLARIFICATION ON MONTHLY UPKEEP ALLOWANCE
The University has observed some confusion concerning the disbursement of student stipends. For the avoidance of doubt, the following facts are hereby clarified:
- The sole responsibility for the disbursement of monthly upkeep allowances rests with NELFUND. Bayero University, Kano only provides necessary institutional data and verification support; payments are not made from the University’s funds.
- The upkeep allowance for the 2024/2025 session, in line with NELFUND’s operational calendar (January – December), officially ended in December 2025.
- There are no outstanding payments from the previous session. Students are advised to regularly check their individual NELFUND dashboards for payment history and updates.
- Upkeep allowances for the 2025/2026 session will commence only after the successful completion of the mandatory processes: Data Upload → Application Processing → Verification → Disbursement of Institutional Charges.
2. UPDATES ON THE 2025/2026 LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS
The University is collaborating closely with NELFUND to ensure that no eligible student is disadvantaged due to technical challenges. The following arrangements have been put in place:
- Returning Beneficiaries: Students who successfully benefited from the scheme in the previous session have been automatically migrated to the Students Loan Application System (SLAS) for the 2025/2026 session. No fresh data upload is required for this category.
- Newly Admitted Students (2024/2025 Session): Due to initial technical issues on the portal, the University has commenced manual data uploads to ensure all eligible students are captured on the NELFUND platform.
- Application Deadline: In response to requests from the University, NELFUND has granted an extension. The new closing date for the 2025/2026 loan application is Tuesday, 15th April, 2026.
3. OFFICIAL SUPPORT AND ENQUIRY CHANNELS
To curb the spread of fake news and misleading information, students are strongly advised to rely only on verified official sources. For any difficulties or enquiries, kindly use the following channels:
- Technical Issues: Log into the NELFUND Official Portal and submit a Support Ticket.
- Institutional Assistance: Send an email to the BUK NELFUND Desk Office at buknelfund@bu.edu.ng.
- General Information: Refer only to official bulletins and circulars issued by the Directorate of Public Affairs.
SUMMARY TABLE
| Category | Status / Required Action |
|---|---|
| Returning Beneficiaries | Automatically migrated to 2025/2026 SLAS |
| Newly Admitted Students (2024/2025) | Manual data upload ongoing by the University |
| Upkeep Allowance (2024/2025) | Ended in December 2025; No outstanding payments |
| Upkeep Allowance (2025/2026) | Commences after completion of institutional charges process |
| Application Deadline | 15th April, 2026 |
CONCLUSION
The Management of Bayero University, Kano urges all students to remain calm, focused on their academic activities, and vigilant against unverified information. By adhering to the official guidelines and meeting the extended deadline of 15th April, 2026, eligible students will ensure uninterrupted access to their financial support throughout their studies.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the entire student body.
Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr Director, Public Affairs For: Management Bayero University, Kano Date: April 2026
