The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for applications under the 2025/2026 academic session to Feb. 27, 2026.
The Fund disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, explaining that the extension was to allow more prospective beneficiaries adequate time to complete and submit their applications.
NELFUND said the initial deadline of Jan. 31, 2026, was reviewed following concerns that some eligible students might be unable to finalise their submissions within the stipulated period.
The Director of Strategic Communications, Mr Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the decision was taken to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the application process.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from Jan. 31, 2026, to Feb. 27, 2026,” the statement said.
Also commenting on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, said the move underscored the Fund’s commitment to expanding access to education.
“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. We recognise that some applicants may need additional time to complete their applications, and this decision ensures that no eligible Nigerian student is left out,” Sawyerr said.
NELFUND urged students who are yet to apply or who have not completed their applications to take advantage of the extension and ensure that all required information is submitted on or before the new deadline.
The Fund added that further updates would be communicated through its official channels.
NELFUND was established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024.
Under the scheme, the Federal Government provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses, with repayment scheduled after graduation and gainful employment.
As of Jan. 29, 2026, a total of ₦174.56 billion had been disbursed to beneficiaries under the student loan programme.
