The extension, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, is aimed at giving prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their loan applications. NELFUND said the decision was made to ensure no eligible student is excluded from the scheme due to time constraints.
Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, explained that the extension reflects the Fund’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. “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 read.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the extension was intended to give students sufficient time to finalise their applications.
“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 stated.
NELFUND has urged students who have not yet applied or are yet to complete their applications to take advantage of the extended deadline and submit all required documents before February 27, 2026. The Fund said further updates will be communicated through its official channels.
Established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, NELFUND was enacted into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024. Under the initiative, the government provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses.
The scheme aims to remove financial barriers to higher education, particularly for students from low-income families. Beneficiaries are expected to repay the loan after completing their education and securing employment.
As of January 29, 2026, the total amount disbursed under the scheme was ₦174,561,719,810.