Two fake websites pretending to be the official Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) portal are tricking students into handing over personal data — and the agency is sounding the alarm. On Monday, June 30, 2025, NELFUND issued an urgent public warning from its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, after reports surfaced of fraudulent links masquerading as the real student loan application system. The Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, made it clear: there is no new portal. Not now. Not ever — unless it comes from nelf.gov.ng.
How the Scam Works
The fraudsters aren’t just guessing — they’re playing on desperation. Messages circulating on WhatsApp, Telegram, and even Facebook claim President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has ordered the reopening of the NELFUND portal. That’s the hook. Students who’ve waited months for financial aid, many from low-income families across Nigeria’s 36 states, click without thinking. The links — https://nelfund-student-loan-2025.po-rt-al.com/NELFUND/ and http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan — look convincing. They even use NELFUND’s logo and official-sounding fonts. But here’s the twist: they’re designed to harvest usernames, passwords, National ID numbers, bank details, and even parent’s phone numbers. Once stolen, that data can be sold on the dark web or used to open fraudulent bank accounts.
It’s not the first time. Last year, a similar phishing campaign targeted applicants for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This time, the stakes are higher. NELFUND has already processed over one million applications since its 2023 launch, according to PR Nigeria. That’s a million families trusting the system. And now, scammers are exploiting that trust.
Official Channels Only
Mrs. Oluwatuyi didn’t mince words. “We wish to categorically state that this website is FAKE,” she said in the June 30 statement, later echoed in a November 18, 2025, post on NELFUND’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account: @nelfund. The only legitimate portal? https://nelf.gov.ng. That’s it. No exceptions. No backups. No “temporary” links. No “urgent updates” sent via private messages.
And if you’re wondering whether NELFUND ever contacts students directly? It doesn’t. Not by text. Not by DM. Not even by phone. All official announcements come through three places: the website, verified social media accounts, and press releases distributed by Nigerian News Agency (NAN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Why This Matters to Every Nigerian Student
Imagine you’re a 19-year-old from Kano, the first in your family to go to university. You’ve spent six months saving for your school fees. Your parents sold a goat. Your aunt chipped in. You finally qualify for the interest-free NELFUND loan — but you missed the deadline. Then you see a post: “Tinubu just reopened the portal!” You click. You enter your NIN. Your bank account. Your mother’s phone number. Two days later, your account is drained. Your identity is sold. You’re left with nothing — and a criminal record you didn’t know you’d signed up for.
This isn’t hypothetical. Nigerian cybercrime reports from the Nigerian Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit show a 47% spike in education-related fraud in 2024. And NELFUND’s popularity makes it a prime target. The Fund supports students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education — over 1.5 million potential applicants by 2026, according to the Federal Ministry of Education.
What You Should Do Right Now
Here’s what to do if you’ve seen one of these links:
- DO NOT click. DO NOT enter any information.
- Report the link to NELFUND at [email protected].
- Forward suspicious messages to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) via their Fraud Reporting Portal.
- Warn your friends. Share the official link: nelf.gov.ng.
And if you’re applying? Bookmark the real site. Save the @nelfund X handle. Add [email protected] to your contacts. Don’t trust anyone who says “I can help you get in faster.” NELFUND doesn’t offer shortcuts. And if they did, they’d tell you on their website — not in a DM.
What’s Next for NELFUND?
The agency says it’s working with Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to take down the fake domains. But domain takedowns are slow. Scammers just register new ones — sometimes within hours. So NELFUND’s real strategy? Education. They’re planning campus awareness tours in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Kaduna starting in January 2026. Student ambassadors will hand out flyers with QR codes linking directly to the real portal.
There’s also talk of a new verification system: a one-time PIN sent via SMS to students who’ve registered on the official site. That way, even if someone steals your login, they can’t complete the application without the code.
For now, the message is simple: If it’s not on nelf.gov.ng, it’s not real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if a website is really NELFUND’s official portal?
Only nelf.gov.ng is legitimate. Check the URL carefully — fake sites often use misspellings like "nelfund.gov.ng" or odd domains like .xyz or .po-rt-al.com. Look for the padlock icon and HTTPS. NELFUND never uses third-party domains. If you’re unsure, type the address manually or search for it on Google using "official NELFUND portal" — never click ads or sponsored links.
Why do scammers use President Tinubu’s name in these scams?
Scammers exploit the credibility of high-profile figures to create urgency and trust. President Tinubu publicly endorsed NELFUND’s launch in 2023, so fraudsters falsely claim he’s “reopening” the portal to pressure students into acting quickly. This tactic works because many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, trust government figures more than institutional websites. NELFUND has repeatedly denied any such orders.
What should I do if I already submitted my details on a fake site?
Act immediately: Change passwords for all related accounts (email, bank, NIN portal). Report the incident to NELFUND at [email protected] and file a report with the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Unit. Contact your bank to freeze accounts if you shared financial info. Monitor your credit report through the Credit Bureau of Nigeria. Time is critical — fraudsters often test stolen data within 24 to 48 hours.
Has NELFUND ever reopened a portal after closing?
Yes — but only through official channels. The 2024 portal reopened briefly in August after technical upgrades, and NELFUND announced it via press release, its website, and verified social media. No third-party links were used. Any claim of a “last-minute reopening” via WhatsApp or Instagram is a scam. NELFUND’s policy is clear: no announcements without verification.
Are there any legitimate ways to get help with the NELFUND application?
Only through NELFUND’s official support channels: email ([email protected]), the helpdesk on nelf.gov.ng, or in-person at designated state offices. University career centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt also have NELFUND liaisons. Never pay anyone to “expedite” your application — it’s a scam. NELFUND’s process is free, transparent, and based on merit.
When will the next NELFUND application window open?
NELFUND has not announced a date for the next cycle. Historically, applications open in January and July. The last window closed in May 2025. Do not trust any website or social media post claiming the portal is open before NELFUND officially confirms it on nelf.gov.ng or @nelfund. Set a calendar reminder for January 2026 — and ignore all unsolicited messages.
16 Responses
Bro just typed nelf.gov.ng and hit enter - no links, no scams, no drama. Why make it harder than it is?
These phishing ops are leveraging social engineering at scale - exploiting cognitive biases like authority bias and scarcity heuristic. Students aren't dumb, they're just operating under extreme information asymmetry. The real vulnerability isn't tech, it's trust architecture. NELFUND needs to deploy zero-trust identity verification, not just slap a warning banner.
Imagine a student in Sokoto with 2G bandwidth and no data plan. They click a WhatsApp link because it’s the only thing that loads fast. The system fails them before the scam even begins. We need offline verification kiosks, not just HTTPS.
And let’s be real - the Nigerian state’s digital infrastructure is still in the stone age. No biometric integration, no SMS OTP rollout yet, no API-based credential validation. The scammers are 3 steps ahead because the institution is still using Word docs to track applicants.
TL;DR: Education campaigns are cute, but without systemic tech upgrades, this is whack-a-mole with human lives.
THIS ISN'T A SCAM - IT'S A COVERT OPERATION TO SILENCE STUDENTS! NELFUND IS A FRONT FOR THE BOLSHEVIK ELITE TO CONTROL EDUCATION FUNDING! THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO GET LOANS - THEY WANT YOU BROKE AND DEPENDING ON THEM! THE REAL PORTAL IS ON THE DARK WEB, AND THE .NG DOMAIN? A GOVERNMENT BACKDOOR TO TRACK YOUR EVERY CLICK!
I KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY COUSIN'S NEPHEW WORKED AT NITDA - HE SAW THE BLUEPRINTS! THEY'RE USING AI TO HARVEST YOUR NIN TO BUILD A NATIONAL DEBT SLAVE DATABASE! DON'T CLICK ANYTHING - NOT EVEN THE OFFICIAL SITE! USE A VIRTUAL MACHINE, A TOR BROWSER, AND A PAPER NOTEBOOK TO WRITE DOWN YOUR DETAILS!
THEY'RE COMING FOR YOU NEXT - AND WHEN THEY TAKE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU!!
Typical. Scammers get smarter. Government gets slower. Students get screwed. Again.
I just want to say thank you to NELFUND for even existing - I know how hard it is to run something like this in a country where everyone’s trying to game the system. But honestly? The real win here isn’t the website - it’s the fact that someone finally tried to build a real safety net for students who don’t have rich parents. I’ve seen friends cry because they couldn’t pay for textbooks. This loan? It’s not just money - it’s dignity.
And yeah, the scams suck. But instead of just warning people, can we maybe get a toll-free number? Or a WhatsApp bot? A lot of us don’t even have laptops - just phones. If the official site doesn’t work on mobile data, it’s basically useless.
I’m not asking for magic. Just… make it easier. We’re trying.
Yo I just got my NELFUND loan last year and honestly? The site was kinda clunky but it worked. No shady links, no popups. Just a form, a NIN check, and boom - approved. I’m from Enugu, no fancy internet, just a 3G hotspot. If you’re scared, go to your school’s career center - they’ve got printed flyers with the URL and QR codes. No need to click anything from WhatsApp.
Also, if someone DMs you saying they can ‘fast-track’ your application? Block them. That’s like someone offering to get you a passport in 2 hours. It’s not a service - it’s a trap.
Bookmark nelf.gov.ng. Save @nelfund on X. Tell your cousins. That’s all you need.
It’s fascinating how these scams mirror the broader crisis of institutional legitimacy. When people don’t trust systems, they turn to rumors - and scammers exploit that vacuum. NELFUND’s problem isn’t just phishing; it’s a crisis of perception. The state has failed so many for so long that even a legitimate portal feels like a trick.
What if instead of just warning people, NELFUND partnered with local churches, mosques, and community radio stations to broadcast verified info in Pidgin and local languages? What if they trained youth volunteers to walk through villages with printed QR codes on cardboard? Tech alone won’t fix this. Human trust needs human touch.
We can’t just say ‘don’t click’ - we have to say ‘here, let me show you’.
As someone who grew up in a village without internet, I remember walking 12km to the nearest cybercafe just to check if the portal was open. We didn’t have smartphones. We had hope. And scammers know that hope is the most valuable currency in Nigeria.
My sister almost lost her NIN to a fake portal last year. She thought the link was real because it had the same logo. I told her to call the school’s NELFUND liaison. He printed out the URL and taped it to the wall. That’s the solution - not more warnings. More presence.
NELFUND needs to become a name you hear in the market, not just on a website. They need to show up - physically - where the students are.
There’s a deeper layer here. The Nigerian education system is built on scarcity. There aren’t enough scholarships. There aren’t enough seats. There aren’t enough qualified teachers. So when a loan portal opens, it’s not just a financial opportunity - it’s a lifeline. And when you’re drowning, you grab any rope thrown at you, even if it’s frayed.
The scammers aren’t evil geniuses. They’re symptoms. They’re the byproduct of a system that tells young people: ‘You’re on your own.’
Fix the system, not just the URL.
And while we’re at it - why does every government portal in Nigeria look like it was designed in 2007? The UI is a crime against humanity. No wonder people click on .xyz links. At least those have colors.
Stupid students. If you can’t tell a fake website from a real one, you shouldn’t be in university. You should be working in a garage. This is basic digital literacy. Why are we even wasting time on this?
I’m glad NELFUND is speaking up. My cousin got caught last year. She didn’t tell anyone until her account was drained. She felt too ashamed. We need more safe spaces for students to say ‘I clicked the wrong link’ without being judged.
Also - can we please have an app? I know I’m asking for a lot, but… it’s 2025.
Let me tell you about my friend Tolu. He’s 20, from Owerri, his dad passed last year. He works nights at a gas station to pay for his books. He saw the ‘Tinubu reopened NELFUND’ post and clicked. He didn’t even know what a NIN was. He just wanted to finish his degree.
He lost everything. His phone, his bank login, his mother’s number. He didn’t tell anyone for three weeks because he thought he’d get kicked out of school. Then his roommate found him crying in the shower.
That’s not a scam. That’s a national failure. We’re not talking about tech here. We’re talking about kids who have no one to turn to. NELFUND’s job isn’t just to protect data - it’s to protect hope.
So yes, block the domains. Yes, warn people. But also - send someone to talk to Tolu. Just one person. That’s what real leadership looks like.
And if you’re reading this and you’re a student? You’re not stupid. You’re just trying. That’s enough.
Bookmark the site. Tell your friends. And if you’re scared? Go to your campus library. Ask the librarian. They’ve probably got the link printed on a sticky note.
We’re all in this together. Don’t let fear win.
I’m so proud of NELFUND for taking this seriously. Many institutions would’ve stayed silent. This is leadership. And to the students - please, just type the URL. Don’t copy. Don’t paste. Don’t trust links. It’s that simple.
Also - if you’re applying, start preparing your documents now. The next window is January 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute. And if you’re unsure, call the helpline. They’re human. They’re there to help.
Man, I love how Nigerians just… keep going. Even with all the scams, the blackouts, the bad roads, the ‘government don’t care’ vibes - we still show up. We still apply. We still hope.
And yeah, the site’s ugly. And yeah, the scam links look real. But I’ve seen students in Enugu using a single phone to apply for 5 siblings. That’s love. That’s resilience.
So NELFUND - keep fighting. And we’ll keep clicking the right link. And sharing it. And yelling at our cousins on WhatsApp: ‘NO, THAT’S NOT THE REAL ONE!’
One day, we’ll have a portal that works like Amazon. Until then? We got each other.
Bro why are you even reading this? Go to nelf.gov.ng. Done. Next. Stop scrolling. Go apply. The portal’s open. I just did. You’re wasting time.
wait so the real site is nelf.gov.ng but the fake one is nelfund-student-loan-2025.po-rt-al.com?? lol so the fake one has a hyphen and a dot in the domain but the real one has a .ng?? i mean… why not just make the real one nelfund.gov.ng then?? this is so dumb why is it so hard to get a .ng domain??
also i think nelfund is just using this to push their new app which they dont even have yet. its all marketing. i saw a post on x from a fake account that said ‘download our app’ and then it redirected to a google form. its all a scam. the real scam is nelfund itself.