The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its student loan application deadline following increased awareness and demand across the country.The extension was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.
According to the statement, the decision followed the closure of the initial application window on February 27, 2026, and came after a nationwide sensitisation campaign led to a surge in interest from students and institutions.The statement explained that the extension would allow eligible applicants who were unable to complete their applications within the earlier timeframe to do so.
It said the extension specifically covers students who require additional time to complete their applications, prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during recent sensitisation engagements, institutions commencing the 2025/2026 academic session, and institutions yet to submit verified student lists.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, said the Fund was committed 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.
The Fund also advised institutions that have not commenced the 2025/2026 academic session to submit a formal request for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar.
NELFUND urged students to take advantage of the extended window to complete their applications through the official portal before it closes.The statement reiterated the Fund’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.
“The extension takes immediate effect, while a new closing date is expected to be communicated through NELFUND’s official platforms,” it added.
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