The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 student loan scheme, offering applicants additional time to complete their submissions.

The new closing date is Thursday, 27th February 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of January 31, 2026. The announcement was formally issued and signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND.

Why the Deadline Was Extended

According to the Fund, the decision was made to ensure that no eligible student is excluded due to challenges such as:

• Delays in obtaining required documents
• Limited internet access or technical difficulties
• Time constraints during the online application process

The extension reflects NELFUND’s commitment to fairness, accessibility, and equal opportunity for students across the country.

Leadership Statement

Speaking on the development, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, stated that the move reinforces the Fund’s mission to support inclusive access to higher education:

“We recognise that some applicants may need extra time to complete their submissions. This extension ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair chance to benefit from the loan scheme.”

What the Loan Covers

The student loan programme is designed to ease financial pressure on undergraduates in public tertiary institutions. Key features include:

• Tuition and institutional fees paid directly to the student’s school
• Monthly upkeep allowance of ₦20,000 paid into the student’s personal bank account (must be selected during application)
• Interest-free repayment, which begins only after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and securing employment
• Repayment method: Employers deduct 10% of the beneficiary’s monthly salary toward loan repayment

Impact So Far

Since operations commenced in May 2024, NELFUND has:

• Disbursed ₦154.37 billion
• Supported 788,947 students
• Covered 262 public tertiary institutions nationwide

How to Apply

Prospective applicants should complete their forms through the official portal:
portal.nelf.gov.ng

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens enrolled in approved public tertiary institutions and meet all eligibility requirements stated on the platform.

Support and Official Channels

For enquiries or assistance, students can contact:

• Email: info@nelf.gov.ng
• X (Twitter): @nelfund
• Instagram: @nelfund
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
• Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

Final Reminder

All components of the application must be completed and submitted on or before Thursday, 27th February 2026. Students are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues and ensure successful submission.