The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for applications into the 2025/2026 academic session, offering prospective beneficiaries additional time to complete and submit their entries.
The Fund announced that the new deadline is now February 27, 2026, shifting from the earlier cut-off date of January 31, 2026. The decision, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, was taken to accommodate students who may have experienced timing or logistical challenges during the application process.
According to the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the extension is designed to ensure that no eligible student is unfairly excluded due to circumstances beyond their control. He noted that the move reflects NELFUND’s responsiveness to the realities faced by applicants across the country.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the extension reinforces the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to education. He explained that the additional window would allow more students to properly complete their submissions and benefit from the scheme.
“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. We understand that some applicants may require additional time to complete their submissions, and this decision ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair opportunity to benefit from the Fund,” Sawyerr said.
NELFUND urged students who have not yet applied, as well as those with incomplete applications, to take full advantage of the extended period and ensure that all required information is submitted on or before the new deadline. The Fund also assured applicants that any further updates would be communicated through its official platforms.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established to manage the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024. The scheme provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions, covering tuition fees and living expenses, with the aim of reducing financial barriers to higher education.
Applications for the programme commenced in May 2024, targeting students from low-income backgrounds and promoting wider access to tertiary education. Beneficiaries are expected to begin repayment after graduation and upon securing employment.
As of January 29, 2026, a total sum of ₦174,561,719,810 has been disbursed under the student loan scheme, highlighting the growing reach of the programme and its role in supporting Nigerian students nationwide.