The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal by some days pending further management decisions and communications.
The agency said the decision to extend the application process, which was supposed to end on February 27, followed a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.
NELFUND announced the deadline extension in a statement on Monday in Abuja by its Director, Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.
“This decision follows a reminder notice issued last week informing the public that the NELFUND Student Loan Application Portal would close on February 27, 2026. In response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, and in recognition of the surge in applications and enquiries, 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 said.
The NELFUND management explained that the extension was specifically intended to accommodate students who require additional time to complete their applications; prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during the recent nationwide sensitisation engagements; institutions newly starting their 2025/2026 academic session; and institutions that have not yet submitted their verified student lists.
NELFUND’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access.
He said: “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.
“NELFUND reiterates that institutions, which have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session, must submit an official request for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar, for consideration.
“Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this window to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closes.
“NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions that remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
