The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for its Student Loan Application Portal, responding to heightened public interest following a nationwide awareness campaign. The move aims to ensure all eligible students have sufficient time to apply for the government-backed tertiary education financing scheme.
The extension comes after NELFUND issued a reminder last week stating the portal was scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. In a statement, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, explained that the decision was driven by strong feedback from students and stakeholders, coupled with a significant surge in applications and inquiries since the sensitisation drive.
“In response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, and in recognition of the surge in applications and inquiries, the Fund has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications,” the statement said.
The additional time is specifically designated for several groups: students needing more time to complete applications; prospective applicants who learned about the scheme during recent outreach programmes; institutions beginning their 2025/2026 academic session; and institutions yet to submit verified student lists.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Akintunde Sawyerr reinforced the fund’s commitment to inclusivity. “Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Therefore, in line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure that all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” he stated.
Institutions that have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session are required to submit an official extension request, along with their approved academic calendar, for consideration by NELFUND.
Students are urged to utilise the extended window to submit applications via the official NELFUND portal before the new closure date. The fund reiterated its dedication to transparency, accountability, and providing sustainable financing solutions to remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
The extension underscores the impact of the government’s awareness campaign on student loan uptake and reflects NELFUND’s operational flexibility in managing demand. Prospective applicants are advised to monitor official NELFUND communications for the revised deadline and any further instructions.
