The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, the Fund explained that the initial January 31, 2026 deadline was shifted to allow intending applicants more time to finalize and submit their applications.
The Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the extension was aimed at ensuring that all qualified students have a fair opportunity to participate without being disadvantaged by time limitations.
The statement read in part: “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.”
Speaking on the extension, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said, “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.”
NELFUND urged students who have not yet applied or who are yet to complete their applications to take advantage of the extended deadline and ensure that all required information is submitted on or before February 27, 2026.
The Fund added that further information and updates would continue to be shared through its official communication channels.
NELFUND was established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, which was enacted into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024.
Under the initiative, the Tinubu administration offers interest-free loans to students enrolled in public tertiary institutions to help cover tuition fees and living costs.
Applications for the scheme opened in May 2024, with the aim of removing financial barriers to education and supporting students from low-income backgrounds.
Loan beneficiaries are required to repay the funds after completing their education and securing employment.
The total amount disbursed under the student loan scheme as of January 29, 2026, stood at ₦174,561,719,810.
