The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned students and the general public to verify all online links and rely only on official platforms to avoid falling victim to scams targeting its interest-free student loan scheme.

The warning followed the circulation of a fraudulent notice claiming the launch of a new 2026 registration portal for the programme.

In a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, the Fund urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against misinformation and deceptive online content.

“Please ensure you verify all links and rely only on our official channels for accurate information. Remain vigilant against misinformation, fake news, and potential scams,” the agency stated.

NELFUND clarified that the viral notice, which alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the reopening of a new portal, is false. It also warned that the link being circulated for registration and cash transfers is fraudulent.

The agency noted that this is not the first time scammers have attempted to exploit prospective beneficiaries, recalling similar incidents in 2025 involving fake claims of presidential directives and financial offers.

Established under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, the NELFUND scheme provides interest-free loans covering tuition and monthly upkeep for eligible students, with repayment commencing two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme.

The Fund reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged Nigerians to always cross-check information through its verified communication channels.