The Digest:
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for student loans for the 2025/2026 academic session. The new deadline is now February 27, 2026, moved from the original date of January 31. NELFUND's Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, stated the extension reflects the Fund's commitment to inclusivity and provides additional time for prospective applicants to complete their submissions. The application portal for this second cycle opened on October 23, 2025. Since its inception, NELFUND reports it has disbursed over N161 billion to more than 864,000 students across 263 institutions.
Key Points
- The extension directly benefits students who require more time to gather documentation or complete the application process, reducing barriers to access.
- It allows for a potentially larger pool of applicants, aligning with the Fund's mandate to broaden educational financing opportunities nationwide.
- Eligible students gain a critical reprieve to secure funding, while NELFUND aims to maximise the reach and impact of the government's loan scheme.
- The decision reinforces the program's stated goal of inclusivity, demonstrating administrative flexibility to accommodate student needs.
- Announced near the original deadline, the extension addresses logistical or awareness challenges that may have prevented timely applications.
The deadline shift provides a wider window for Nigerian students to apply for critical financial support for the upcoming academic year.
Sources: TheNation, PM News
