Full List Of Top-Rated Banks Offering Business & Student Loans In Nigeria (2025)
In today’s economy, access to affordable loans can make or break your educational or entrepreneurial goals. Whether you're a student looking to pay tuition or a small business owner seeking capital, choosing the right loan provider is critical.
To help you avoid trial-and-error, we've compiled a full list of Nigeria’s best-rated commercial banks that offer business and student loan services. These banks are trusted, customer-focused, and offer flexible terms to match your needs.
Best Banks That Offer Business Loans in Nigeria (2025)
Bank |
Loan Type |
Loan Range |
Interest Rate (Yearly) |
Special Features |
Access Bank |
SME Loans, LPO, Overdraft |
₦100K – ₦50M+ |
Competitive rates |
Business advisory, collateral-free options available |
GTBank |
QuickCredit for Business |
₦100K – ₦5M+ |
Flexible |
Fast processing, easy app access |
UBA |
SME Loans, Working Capital |
₦100K – ₦10M+ |
Flexible |
Tailored solutions for small businesses |
Zenith Bank |
MSME Loans, Asset Financing |
₦100K – ₦10M+ |
Market-based |
Includes trade finance & overdrafts |
First Bank |
FirstSME Loans, Term Loans |
₦100K – ₦5M+ |
Varies |
Access to SME seminars & tools |
Fidelity Bank |
SME-Friendly Loan Options |
₦100K – ₦5M+ |
Affordable |
Empowering women & youth through SME packages |
Wema Bank |
ALAT for Business |
₦100K – ₦5M+ |
Moderate |
Fully digital loan application |
FCMB |
Flexi Loans, SheVentures |
₦100K – ₦10M+ |
Very Low (Women Loans) |
Zero-interest loans for women-led businesses |
Stanbic IBTC |
SME Loans, Inventory Finance |
₦100K – ₦10M+ |
Market competitive |
Great for agribusiness and import/export SMEs |
Ecobank |
SME Loans, Working Capital Loans |
₦100K – ₦10M+ |
Customer-specific |
Access to Pan-African SME markets |
Best Banks That Offer Student Loans in Nigeria (2025)
Bank |
Loan Product |
Loan Range |
Interest Rate |
Repayment Term |
Key Features |
Access Bank |
Access Student Loan |
₦50K – ₦5M |
9% – 20% |
6 – 12 months |
Directly paid to school |
First Bank |
FirstEdu Loan |
₦50K – ₦10M |
9% – 15% |
Up to 24 months |
For school fees, books, and accommodation |
GTBank |
School Fees Advance |
₦50K – ₦5M |
10% – 15% |
Up to 12 months |
Seamless processing via GTWorld app |
UBA |
Education Loan |
₦50K – ₦5M |
8% – 14% |
Up to 12 months |
Quick disbursement with minimal paperwork |
Zenith Bank |
Education Finance |
₦50K – ₦10M |
14% – 20% |
Up to 24 months |
Ideal for local and foreign education expenses |
Fidelity Bank |
EduLoan |
₦50K – ₦10M |
Flexible |
Up to 12 months |
Covers travel, accommodation, school fees |
Union Bank |
Student Loan |
₦50K – ₦3M |
As low as 9% |
Up to 12 months |
Minimal documentation required |
Stanbic IBTC |
Education Support Loan |
₦50K – ₦10M |
Competitive |
Up to 12 months |
Flexible repayments, parent support |
How to Qualify for a Loan
Whether for business or study, qualifying generally requires:
- A valid ID and BVN
- An active bank account
- Proof of income or tuition need
- (For businesses) CAC certificate or business plan
Tips for Getting Your Loan Approved Faster
- Keep your credit history clean
- Don’t apply for too many loans at once
- Submit complete documentation
- Use a bank where you already have a savings or current account
- Apply early before school term or business peak season
Final Thoughts
Getting a loan in Nigeria is now more streamlined than ever. With banks embracing digital platforms and supporting young professionals, business owners, and students, access to credit is no longer out of reach.
Whether you’re building a business or furthering your education, one of these banks has a plan that fits your goals.