By Divine-Mercy Abioye
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a federal government-established agency responsible for providing interest-free student loans to eligible Nigerians, has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session. The original closing date of January 31, 2026, has been moved to Friday, February 27, 2026.
NELFUND was created under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2024 to provide financial support for tuition costs and upkeep allowances to qualified Nigerian students attending approved public tertiary institutions and increasingly, to vocational and technical trainees. The fund aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and improve access, operating through an online portal for applications and verification.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 29, the agency stated the extension is designed to give prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their applications. The management noted that the decision intends to ensure that no eligible student misses the opportunity to benefit due to timing constraints or technical delays.
Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, described the extension as part of the organisation’s commitment to inclusive access. “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 agency urged all prospective students who have not yet completed their applications to use the extended window and ensure all required documentation is uploaded correctly by the February 27 closing date.


























