The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
A press release by Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Director, Strategic Communications at NELFUND, said the decision follows a reminder notice issued last week informing the public that the Loan Application Portal would close on 27 February 2026.
However, in response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, and the surge in applications and inquiries, the Fund approved additional days to ensure all eligible students are given the opportunity to complete their applications.
Mrs Oluwatuyi said 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 yet to submit their verified student lists.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access, saying, “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.”
“NELFUND reiterates that institutions which have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session must submit an official request for extension, accompanied by 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.