The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned students and the general public against falling for scams linked to its interest-free student loan scheme.

The warning comes after a fake notice began circulating, claiming that a new registration portal for 2026 had been launched.

In a statement shared via its official X handle on Thursday, NELFUND urged Nigerians to verify any information they receive and depend solely on its approved communication channels. It stressed the need for vigilance against misinformation, fake news, and fraudulent schemes.

According to the Fund, the viral message falsely alleged that President Bola Tinubu had approved the reopening of a registration portal due to challenges faced by students. It also included a suspicious link, presented as an official platform for loan applications and cash transfers. NELFUND, however, clarified that the link is fraudulent.

The agency noted that this is not the first time scammers have targeted beneficiaries of the programme. Similar false messages were circulated in 2025, also claiming presidential directives to reopen application portals or offering quick cash benefits.

NELFUND reiterated that its student loan initiative, established under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, provides interest-free loans to support students. The scheme covers tuition fees as well as monthly upkeep allowances.

It added that repayment is structured to begin two years after beneficiaries complete the National Youth Service Corps programme.

The Fund advised students to remain cautious and always confirm information through its official platforms before taking any action.