NELFUND extends 2025/2026 application deadline to 27 Feb
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026, providing prospective beneficiaries additional time to complete and submit their loan requests.
The original deadline of January 31, 2026, has now been shifted by nearly four weeks in what the Fund described as a move to ensure inclusivity and equal access for all eligible Nigerian students.
Announcing the development in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the decision was taken after considering the need to accommodate students who may require extra 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.
The Fund urged prospective applicants who are yet to apply, as well as those who have started but not completed their applications, to take advantage of the extended window. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required documentation and relevant information are properly submitted on or before the new deadline.
NELFUND emphasised that the extension is part of its broader mandate to widen access to tertiary education financing and remove financial barriers that could prevent qualified students from pursuing higher education.
The agency also assured applicants that further updates and clarifications regarding the application process would continue to be communicated through its official channels.
For inquiries and additional information, applicants can contact the Fund via email at [email protected] or follow its verified social media handles on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @nelfund, as well as its Facebook and LinkedIn pages under Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND. Information is also available on its official website.
The statement announcing the extension was signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND on Monday.
The extension is expected to boost participation and ensure that no eligible student misses out on the opportunity due to timing constraints as preparations for the 2025/2026 academic session intensify.