The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026.

The extension was announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, in which the Fund said the deadline was moved from the initial January 31, 2026, date to allow prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their applications.

According to the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the decision was taken to ensure that no eligible student is excluded from the process due to timing constraints.

“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 in part.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the extension underscores the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to education.

“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 said.

NELFUND urged students who are yet to apply or 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 was established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024. Under the initiative, the Federal Government provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to support the payment of tuition fees and living expenses.

Applications for the scheme opened in May 2024 as part of efforts to remove financial barriers to higher education and support students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries are required to repay the loans after completing their studies and securing employment.

As of January 29, 2026, a total of ₦174,561,719,810 has been disbursed under the student loan scheme.

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