Abuja: The Nigerian StudentLoan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its student loan application portal following a surge in nationwide interest. This decision aims to accommodate the increasing number of applicants seeking financial support for their education.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made in a statement issued by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi. She cited that the extension aligns with NELFUND’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to education. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, highlighted that the decision was driven by the heightened awareness generated through ongoing sensitisation campaigns across the country.
Initially, the student loan application portal was scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. However, Sawyerr noted that strong feedback from students and key stakeholders, coupled with a rise in applications and enquiries, necessitated additional time for eligible students to complete their applications. This extension is designed to benefit students who require more time to apply and those who became aware of the loan scheme during recent sensitisation efforts.
Institutions newly commencing the 2025/2026 academic session and those yet to submit verified student lists will also be able to take advantage of the extended deadline. Sawyerr emphasized that sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly boosted awareness and participation in the scheme.
To ensure all eligible students have a fair chance to apply, the extension has been approved. Sawyerr advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 academic session to submit official requests for extension, along with their approved academic calendar, for consideration.