President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has extended the loan application deadline earlier scheduled to end on February 27, 2026.
The extension was announced on Monday in a press statement by its Director, Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.
The action, she said, followed a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
“This decision follows a reminder notice issued last week informing the public that the NELFUND Student Loan Application Portal would close on 27 February 2026.
“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, pending further management decisions and communications,” the statement reads in part.
NELFUND stated that the extension was specifically intended to accommodate:
- Students who require additional time to complete their applications
- Prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during the recent nationwide sensitization engagements
- Institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session
- Institutions who have not yet submitted their verified student lists.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, was said to have reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access.
“Our sensitization 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 said.
NELFUND reiterated that institutions which had not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session must submit an official request for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar, for consideration.
Students, it stated, were strongly encouraged to take advantage of the window to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closed.
The statement reads further: “NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions that remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
“For further inquiries or information, please contact us via email at info@nelf.gov.ng or reach out through our official social media platforms: