The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for student loan applications following a surge in nationwide interest spurred by its ongoing awareness campaign.
The extension comes after an earlier notice had announced that the Student Loan Application Portal would close on February 27, 2026.
Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, stated in a Monday release from Abuja that feedback from students, tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders prompted the Fund to grant additional time, allowing more eligible applicants to complete the process.
“The decision to extend the deadline is in response to the sharp increase in applications and inquiries in recent weeks, as awareness of the Federal Government’s student loan programme continues to grow nationwide,” she said.
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The additional window is also intended to accommodate students who need more time to finalise their applications and prospective beneficiaries who recently learned about the scheme during nationwide sensitisation efforts.
It further supports institutions that have just commenced their 2025/2026 academic session or are yet to submit verified student data needed for processing applications.
Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to tertiary education financing.
“Our sensitisation campaigns across all six geopolitical zones have significantly increased 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,” Sawyerr said.
NELFUND also advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 academic session to formally request an extension with their approved academic calendar for consideration.
Students are urged to use the extended period to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before the final closure.
The Fund emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing initiatives aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.