Fund Extends Student Loan Application Deadline Amid Demand Surge

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended its Student Loan Application Portal following a major increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.

Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency’s director of Strategic Communications, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday.

She said the decision followed a reminder notice issued last week informing the public that the NELFUND Student Loan Application Portal was scheduled to close on 27th February, 2026.

According to her, in response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, and in recognition of the surge in applications and enquiries, the Fund has approved additional days to ensure that 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 sensitisation engagements, institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session and institutions that have not yet submitted their verified student lists,” she said.

Speaking on the development, the managing director and chief executive of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access.

“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 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.