The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for its Student Loan Application Portal after a wave of applications and inquiries overwhelmed its initial closing timeline.
The move comes days after the Fund reminded the public that the portal would shut on February 27, 2026. However, rising awareness from its nationwide sensitisation campaign triggered fresh demand, forcing a policy rethink.
In a statement issued Monday, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the extension followed extensive feedback from students and education stakeholders across the country.
“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 read.
The Fund explained that the decision was designed to capture students who need extra time to finalise their applications, prospective beneficiaries who only recently learned about the scheme during the ongoing sensitisation engagements, and institutions just commencing their 2025/2026 academic session. It also applies to schools yet to submit their verified student lists.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, described the extension as a reflection of the Fund’s inclusivity mandate.
“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 further directed institutions that have not commenced the 2025/2026 academic session to formally request an extension, attaching their approved academic calendar for review.
Students were advised to maximise the extended window by completing their applications through the official NELFUND portal before the final closure date.
The Fund reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
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