Understanding the “Invalid Academic Session” Error in NELFUND Applications: Causes, Solutions, and Updates

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has gained significant attention as a crucial initiative aimed at providing financial support to students in higher institutions. However, many applicants have encountered issues while trying to apply for student loans through the platform. One of the most common errors faced by students is the “Invalid academic session” issue. This blog post delves deep into this problem, explores its causes, potential solutions, and official responses from NELFUND. If you have experienced this issue, this guide will help you understand why it happens and what you can do about it.

What is the “Invalid Academic Session” Error?

The “Invalid academic session” error occurs when students try to complete their application on the NELFUND portal but are unable to proceed due to a system-related issue. This error essentially means that the system does not recognize the applicant’s academic session as valid. It has left many students frustrated, especially those who are in dire need of financial assistance.

Causes of the “Invalid Academic Session” Error

1. Incomplete Data Submission by Institutions

One of the primary reasons behind this error is that many institutions have not yet submitted their students’ updated academic records to the Student Verification System (SVS) managed by NELFUND. Without these records, the system is unable to verify the student’s details, leading to the “Invalid academic session” error.

2. Delayed Updates from NELFUND’s Database

Since the SVS relies on institutions to provide the latest academic data, any delays in updating this information can result in errors for applicants. Some universities and polytechnics may have slow administrative processes, causing these data submission delays.

3. Technical Issues on the NELFUND Portal

During the initial rollout of the NELFUND student loan platform, there were multiple technical glitches that affected applicants. While many of these issues have been resolved, some students may still encounter the “Invalid academic session” error due to backend system problems.

4. Ineligibility Based on Academic Calendar

Some students who are trying to apply for loans may not yet be within an eligible academic session. If the system does not recognize their session as part of the approved periods for loan disbursement, the error message may appear.

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5. Errors in Student Data Submission

In some cases, the problem may be due to discrepancies in student records provided by institutions. If an applicant’s details do not match what is available in the SVS, they might encounter the “Invalid academic session” issue.

Official Response from NELFUND

NELFUND has addressed this issue, emphasizing the importance of data submission by institutions. In June 2024, the organization postponed applications for state-owned universities for 14 days due to low data submissions. They have urged institutions to update their student records as soon as possible to allow seamless loan applications.

According to reports from Nairametrics, NELFUND has been working to resolve technical issues affecting students. They have advised students experiencing the “Invalid academic session” issue to contact their institution’s ICT department to confirm that their academic records have been submitted to NELFUND’s SVS.

Steps to Fix the “Invalid Academic Session” Error

If you encounter this issue, follow these steps to resolve it:

Step 1: Confirm Your Institution Has Submitted Student Data

• Visit your school’s ICT or bursary department and inquire if they have uploaded student records to the Student Verification System (SVS).
• Request confirmation that your academic session details have been submitted correctly.

Step 2: Check for System Updates from NELFUND

• Visit the official NELFUND website or social media pages for updates on any ongoing technical fixes.
• If NELFUND has announced that system updates are in progress, wait and try applying again later.

Step 3: Ensure Your Details Are Correct

• Double-check that the information you are entering in your application matches your school records.
• Common errors in name spelling, matriculation number, or date of birth can trigger verification failures.

Step 4: Try Again After Some Time

• If you have confirmed that your institution has submitted your data but you still experience the error, wait a few days and try again.
• Sometimes, NELFUND may be updating its database, which could resolve the issue automatically.

Step 5: Contact NELFUND Support

• If the issue persists, reach out to NELFUND’s support team via their official website or helpline.
• Provide them with your details and a description of the issue.

Preventing Future Issues with NELFUND Applications

To avoid running into issues when applying for NELFUND loans, students should:

• Regularly check with their school’s ICT department to confirm that their details are up-to-date.
• Follow NELFUND’s social media accounts for real-time updates on application issues.
• Ensure that their academic details match what their institution has provided.
• Apply as early as possible to avoid delays caused by high traffic on the portal.

Conclusion

The “Invalid academic session” error has been a major challenge for students applying for NELFUND loans. However, the issue is largely due to delays in data submission by institutions. By taking the right steps—checking with your institution, staying informed about updates, and ensuring your details are correct—you can improve your chances of successfully applying for financial aid.

NELFUND remains committed to resolving technical issues and has encouraged affected students to retry their applications once data updates have been completed. If you are still facing this error, be proactive by contacting your institution and following up with NELFUND’s support team.

Have you encountered this issue? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know if you have found a solution that worked for you!