The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal by a few days, pending further management decisions and communications.
The agency said the decision to extend the application process, initially scheduled to close on February 27, followed a significant rise in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
NELFUND disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, on Monday in Abuja.
“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 said in part.
According to the organisation, the extension is intended to accommodate students who require more time to complete their applications. It also covers prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during the recent nationwide sensitisation engagements.
The agency added that the window would benefit institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session, as well as institutions that have not yet submitted their verified student lists.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the agency’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.
Sawyerr added that institutions yet to commence the 2025/2026 academic session must submit an official request for extension, along with their approved academic calendar, for consideration.
“Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this window to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closes,” he said.
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
