On May 2024, the federal government officially launched the Student loan programme with the establishment of an online portal through which students across federal, State and public schools can apply for interest free loans to cover both tuition fees and upkeep allowances. Applicants include students from Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education nationwide. As at December 2025, over 788,947 students have benefitted with disbursement of N154.3bn from 1,265,509 applications received. This include N82.35bn paid directly to schools for tuition and N72.02bn disbursed to students as upkeep allowances.
As of October 2025, 624,535 students benefitted with N116.4bn. The dramatic scale up as of December, 2025 is a reflection of rapid growth and deepening impact in the educational system.
This scheme cut across the 6 geographical zones and covers over 260 tertiary institutions. By volume of loan applications and uptake so far, University of Maiduguri (Borno) has the higher figures with 85,050 loan applications. Followed by Bayero University, Kano with loan applications of 54,419. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, 50,737 applications. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), 46,663 applications. University of Ilorin, 44,735 applications. University of Jos, 35,913 applications. Usman Danfodo University, Sokoto, 35,714 applications. Taraba State University, Jalingo, 32,030 applications. University of Uyo, 31, 826, as at October, 2025.
However, here are the top 20 Tertiary Institutions by Loan Uptake (Nigeria)
Estimated Benefiting Students Relative Loan Uptake.
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID, Borno, 85,050
Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano, 54,419
Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina, 50,737
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna, 46,663
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara, 44,735
University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau, 35,913
Usmanu Danfodo University, Sokoto, 35,714
Federal University Kashere, Gombe, 34,208
Taraba State University, Taraba, 32,030
University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom, 31,826
University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, 29,400
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun, 27,880
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu, 26,540
Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa, 24,960
University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo, 23,710
Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi, 21,980
Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi, 19,600
Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa, 18,420
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo, 16,750
Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna, 15,980
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