Accepted Nigerian Banks
Use any of these regulated banks for your POF:
Statement Requirements
- Official stamped statement - must be stamped and signed by the bank
- Show 28 consecutive days - funds must not dip below required amount
- End date within 31 days of application - the 28 days must end no more than 31 days before you apply
- Clear and legible - scan at minimum 300 DPI
- All pages included - front, back, and any continuation pages
The 28-Day Rule Explained
Example Timeline
If you're applying on March 15:
- 28-day period must END between Feb 12 - March 15
- So funds must be in account from Jan 15 - Feb 12 (at minimum)
- Get statement printed on Feb 13 or later showing the full 28 days
Multi-Source Funds
If your funds come from multiple sources (parents, relatives, savings):
- Deposit all funds into ONE account
- If deposited without narration (description), start your 28-day count from the day AFTER the deposit
- Print statement starting from the day after the deposit
- Avoid £0 opening balance - this triggers investigation into where funds came from
Large Deposit Warning
Large unexplained deposits (₦50M+) may trigger additional questions. Be prepared to explain the source of funds with supporting documents (gift letter, business income, etc.).
What to Include on the Statement
- Account holder's full name (must match passport)
- Account number
- Bank name and branch
- Statement period (dates)
- Opening and closing balance
- All transactions during the period
- Bank stamp and officer signature
Domiciliary (DOM) Accounts
If you have a USD or GBP domiciliary account, include that statement too. It strengthens your application by showing foreign currency holdings.
Using Parent's Account
If using your parent's or guardian's funds:
- Get their bank statement (same 28-day rule applies)
- Provide your birth certificate showing their names
- Include a consent letter from them
Sample Consent Letter
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Parent's Full Name], holder of [Bank Name] account number [Account Number], hereby authorize my son/daughter [Your Full Name] to use the funds in my account for the purpose of their UK Student Visa application and studies.
I confirm that I will be sponsoring their education and living expenses in the United Kingdom.
Amount authorized: [Amount in GBP or NGN]
Signed: _______________
[Parent's Full Name]
Phone: [Parent's Phone Number]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fintech apps instead of regulated banks
- Not having funds for full 28 days
- Statement ending more than 31 days before application
- Missing bank stamp or signature
- Opening balance of £0 (shows recent large deposit)
- Using overdraft as proof of funds
- Spending the money after the 28 days (keep it until visa approved!)
UKVI Verification
UKVI may contact your bank to verify:
- The account is genuine
- The statement is authentic
- Funds are still available
Sometimes "verification failed" means UKVI never actually contacted the bank. If this happens, resubmit the same statement.