Over the years, some students struggled to attend higher institutions because of financial incapacity. Formal education is crucial for young individuals, and every parent strives to send their children to school.
Because of this, the government established "The Nigerian Students Loan Board" in 1972. This body is responsible for providing loans for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students to study in Nigeria and abroad.
In 1993, the federal government replaced "The Nigerian Students Loan Board" with “Nigerian Education Bank” because of the difficulty in the recovery of loans.
However, how do you get a loan to sponsor or support your education as a Nigerian student? This article answers it all.
Let us dive right in!
What Is A Student Loan?
A student loan is a sum of money you receive as a student from a private company, the federal government, or state government, which you can use to pay tuition, school or living expenses. However, you must pay that money back after graduation, with interest.
Types Of Student Loans In Nigeria
There are two major types of student loans in Nigeria.
1. Federal Loan: This is a loan from the Federal Government of Nigeria. These are loans for students who are at the tertiary level.
2. Private Loan: This is a loan from private companies like banks, microfinance banks, non-governmental organisations, and educational institutions. These are loans for students who are at the tertiary level as well.
List Of Commercial Banks That Offer Student Loan
- Access Bank
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- First Bank
- Zenith Bank
- Wema Bank
- Fidelity Bank
- Nigerian Educative Bank (Federal Government Student Loan)
READ ALSO: Requirements To Study Abroad In UK, USA, & Canada (Guide For Nigerians)
List Of Private Institutions That Offer Student Loan Nigeria
- FairMoney Loan App
- Branch Loan App
- PalmCredit Loan App
- QuickCheck
- Okash
- Aella Credit App
- Kwik Money
- CreditVille
- Carbon
- Kiakia Loan
NOTE: Many private institutions have simple requirements for students to get loans, but you have to pay within a very short period. (A minimum of 15 days to 90 days maximum).
General Required Documents To Get Student Loan In Nigeria
1. Proof of Identity of the student (National ID, Driver’s license, International Passport or Voters card).
2. Proof of residence of the student.
3. Proof of enrolment/registration or Acceptance from an educational institution.
4. Proof of final academic results for the last year.
5. Proof of the institution's tuition fee, accommodation, textbook, and other school expenses.
6. Latest month’s payslip of the guarantor.
7. Bank statements of the guarantor.
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the loan source or provider you select, the documentation requirements and the criteria for document submission may change.
Requirements To Get Student Loan In Nigeria
To be eligible for a student loan in Nigeria, you must meet these requirements:
1. You must be 18 years and above.
2. You must have valid Identification (ID).
3. You must meet the criteria of your school qualifications and requirements.
4. You must follow the rules and regulations of the government. The minimum length of study for the Federal Government student loan is two years and can last up to six years, depending on your course of study. While the minimum length of study for student loans from the Loans Board is one year and can go up to three years, depending on your course of study.
5. For the Federal Government student loan, you must be a high school graduate to be eligible for the loan.
6. You must have a valid and active bank account and a passbook.
7. For a Federal Government loan, you must not be more than 35 years of age. For a Loans Board loan, you must not be more than 40 years of age.
8. You must also apply for the loan within the specified period stated by the loan provider and follow due procedures.
How To Get Student Loan In Nigeria In Simple 7 Steps
1. Go to the loan provider of your choice. (Nigerian Education Bank, Commercial Banks, or Private Institutions).
2. Check if you are eligible for the loan. (Not everyone will be eligible to collect a student loan).
3. Apply for the loan.
4. Provide all the necessary documents requested by your chosen loan provider.
5. Complete all the paperwork or form.
6. Accept the terms and conditions. (Every loan provider has terms and conditions you must abide by before you can be granted a loan).
7. Get your money. (Most of the time, loan providers give out a loan by bank transfer).
