The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant rise in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitization campaign.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the extension comes after a reminder issued last week notifying the public that the application portal would close on February 27, 2026.
However, in response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, as well as a surge in applications and inquiries, the Fund approved additional days to ensure all eligible students have sufficient opportunity to complete their submissions.
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NELFUND said the new deadline is subject to further management decisions and communications.
“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 extension is 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 statement read.
NELFUND said the extension is specifically intended to accommodate students who require extra time to complete their applications, prospective applicants who only recently became aware of the scheme during nationwide sensitization engagements, and institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session.
The extension will also cover institutions that have yet to submit their verified student lists, a critical requirement for processing applications.
Speaking on the development, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to tertiary education financing.
“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,” Sawyerr said.
NELFUND reiterated that institutions which have not commenced the 2025/2026 academic session must submit an official request for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar, for consideration.
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Students were also encouraged to take advantage of the extension window to complete their applications through the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closes.
The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
