In a recent announcement, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for applications for its 2025/2026 academic session loan scheme from January 31, 2026, to February 27, 2026. The extension is aimed at providing students across the country with additional time to complete their applications and secure financial support for tertiary education.
The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND. According to the statement, the extension reflects the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible students, particularly those who require more time to prepare the necessary documentation, have a fair opportunity to access interest-free loans.
Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, emphasized that the additional time is intended to accommodate students who have not yet started their applications or whose submissions remain incomplete. “We are determined to make education financing accessible to every eligible Nigerian student. Extending the deadline ensures that no student is left behind due to administrative or technical delays,” Sawyerr stated.
The NELFUND loan scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to students in public tertiary institutions, covering tuition fees and other essential academic expenses. Since the application portal opened in October 2025, thousands of students have expressed interest in the programme, highlighting its importance in promoting inclusivity and broader access to higher education.
Students are urged to take advantage of the revised deadline and ensure their applications are submitted with all required documentation before February 27, 2026. NELFUND has assured that updates and additional guidance will continue to be communicated through its official channels to facilitate smooth application processing.
