The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for student loan applications following increased nationwide interest generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
The decision comes after an earlier announcement that the application portal would close on February 27, 2026. However, rising demand from students and institutions prompted a reconsideration.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, explained that feedback from students, tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders led management to grant additional time for eligible applicants to complete the process.
NELFUND noted that the move was influenced by the significant rise in applications and inquiries recorded in recent weeks, as awareness of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme continues to grow across the country.
According to the agency, the extension is intended to accommodate students who need more time to finalise their applications, as well as prospective beneficiaries who only recently learned about the programme during the nationwide awareness campaign.
The additional window will also support institutions that are just commencing the 2025/2026 academic session and those yet to submit verified student data required for application processing.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equal access to tertiary education financing.
He stated that sensitisation activities conducted across the six geopolitical zones significantly increased awareness and participation in the scheme.
“Our sensitisation efforts have increased nationwide participation. In line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” he said.
NELFUND also advised institutions that have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session to formally request an extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar, for consideration.
Students were urged to take advantage of the extended deadline by completing their applications through the official NELFUND portal before the final closing date.
The Fund reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing initiatives aimed at eliminating financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
