NELFUND
Abayomi Susan
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the student loan application deadline due to a surge in nationwide interest generated by its ongoing awareness campaign. The extension comes after a reminder last week that the portal was set to close on February 27, 2026.
NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Akintunde Sawyerr, stated that the decision was taken to ensure all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply. The extension targets students who need extra time, prospective applicants made aware of the scheme through recent outreach, institutions that have just begun their 2025/2026 academic session, and schools yet to submit verified student lists .
The Fund’s sensitization efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Sawyerr emphasized that the extension aligns with NELFUND’s mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing.
As of the initial deadline, NELFUND had received 1.69 million applications and disbursed ₦183.8 billion. The loan scheme, launched in May 2024, aims to ease the burden of rising education costs, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.
Beneficiaries are required to repay the loans after completing their education and securing employment. NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability, and providing sustainable student financing solutions.
Institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 academic session are encouraged to submit an official request for extension along with their approved academic calendar. Students are urged to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before the new deadline.
The extension reflects NELFUND’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to education financing. The Fund will continue to communicate updates and relevant information through its official channels.
NELFUND’s efforts aim to remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria, promoting equal opportunities for all eligible students.
