The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially extended the application window for the 2025/2026 academic session. Originally set to close on January 31, 2026, the new deadline is now February 27, 2026.
The fund announced the extension on Thursday, citing a desire to provide prospective applicants with more time to finalize their submissions. By shifting the date, NELFUND aims to ensure that no eligible student misses out on financial aid due to time constraints.
A Commitment to Educational Access
Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, emphasized that the extension is a core part of the agency’s mission to remain inclusive.
“This decision ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair opportunity to benefit from the Fund,” Sawyerr stated. “We understand that some applicants may require additional time to complete their submissions.”
NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, added that the move was specifically designed to prevent the exclusion of students who may be facing technical or logistical hurdles.
NELFUND: Breaking Financial Barriers
Established under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NELFUND was legalized in April 2024. The initiative offers interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions, covering both tuition and essential living expenses.
Key Facts About the Loan Scheme:
- Eligibility: Open to students from low-income backgrounds enrolled in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
- Repayment Structure: Beneficiaries are required to start repaying the loan only after they have finished their studies and secured employment.
- Economic Impact: As of January 29, 2026, the fund has disbursed a total of ₦174,561,719,810 to support Nigerian undergraduates.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
Students who have already started their applications or those yet to begin are urged to act immediately. All required documentation must be uploaded to the official portal on or before the new February 27 cutoff.
Further updates and detailed instructions will be released periodically through NELFUND’s verified communication channels.
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