NELFUND shifts student loan application deadline to February 27

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026, giving prospective applicants more time to complete and submit their entries.

The extension was announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, in which the Fund said the initial deadline of January 31, 2026, was reviewed to accommodate students who may have faced timing challenges.

According to the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the decision was aimed at ensuring that no eligible student is excluded from the process due to constraints beyond their control.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from January 31, 2026, to February 27, 2026,” the statement said.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the move underscores the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and access to education.

“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 encouraged students who are yet to apply or complete their applications to take advantage of the extended window and ensure all required information is submitted on or before the new deadline.

The Fund also assured that further updates would be communicated through its official channels.

NELFUND was established to administer 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 to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Applications for the programme opened in May 2024, with the goal of easing financial barriers to education and supporting students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries are expected to repay the loans after completing their studies and securing employment.

As of January 29, 2026, the total amount disbursed under the student loan scheme stood at ₦174,561,719,810.