The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned students and the general public to be vigilant amid a rise in fraudulent schemes targeting its interest-free student loan programme.

The warning followed the circulation of a fake notice claiming the launch of a new 2026 registration portal.

In a statement shared via its official X handle on Thursday, the Fund urged Nigerians to verify all links and rely only on its authorised communication channels to avoid falling victim to scams.

“For reliable information, please ensure you verify all links and rely solely on our official platforms. Beware of misinformation, fake news, and scams,” the agency advised.

According to NELFUND, the fraudulent notice falsely claimed that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the creation of a new portal to address challenges faced by students.

The notice also included a suspicious link, which the Fund confirmed was not affiliated with its official platform and should not be trusted.

NELFUND noted that similar scams had emerged in the past, particularly in 2025, when fake messages circulated online promising easy access to funds or falsely announcing the reopening of application portals.

The student loan scheme, established under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, provides interest-free loans to eligible students, covering tuition fees and monthly upkeep.

Repayment is structured to begin two years after beneficiaries complete the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in line with the provisions of the law.

The Fund reiterated its commitment to safeguarding applicants and urged prospective beneficiaries to remain cautious and report suspicious messages or platforms.

Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, clinched the continental title in Harare after outperforming contestants from over 20 African countries.

According to a statement issued Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the victory earned the young champion a $5,000 educational scholarship.

President Tinubu described the achievement as a strong testament to the value of investment in education, literacy, and youth development.

“I firmly believe that this accomplishment not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also inspires millions of young Nigerians to strive for academic excellence and personal growth,” the President said.

He added that his administration would continue to strengthen the education sector by creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to thrive and compete globally.

Tinubu also commended Oreofe’s parents, teachers, and mentors for their guidance and support, noting that her latest success builds on a consistent record of excellence.

Prior to her continental triumph, Oreofe placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee, and was runner-up at both the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting young talents, while the Ekiti State Government has reportedly awarded Oreofe financial incentives and pledged to sponsor her, alongside her mother and coach, to represent Africa at the upcoming World Spelling Bee in China.