NELFUND Extends Loan Application Deadline for 2025/26

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

The extension, announced in Abuja on January 29, comes as part of efforts to widen access to higher education and ensure that eligible students are not excluded due to procedural or timing challenges. The initial deadline of January 31, 2026, has now been pushed back by nearly a month.

According to a statement issued by the fund, the decision was taken after reviewing feedback from applicants and stakeholders across the education sector.

NELFUND said the move reflects its commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds who may require more time to gather required documentation.

“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access,” said the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer.

“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.”

The education loan scheme, introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is designed to provide interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions, covering tuition fees and, in some cases, maintenance costs.

The initiative forms a central pillar of the government’s broader reforms in the education sector, aimed at addressing rising costs, improving enrolment, and reducing the financial burden on families.

NELFUND urged students who are yet to apply, as well as those who have started but not completed their applications, to take advantage of the extended deadline. Applicants are required to ensure that all information and supporting documents are submitted on or before February 27 to be considered.

Since the launch of the scheme, the fund has reported a steady increase in applications, reflecting strong demand among students and parents grappling with inflation, unemployment, and shrinking household incomes.

Education analysts say the extension could further boost participation, particularly in rural areas where access to information and digital platforms remains uneven.
The development comes amid renewed public debate over the sustainability and transparency of the student loan programme.

While the government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the loans are interest-free and repayment is tied to employment status after graduation, critics have called for clearer guidelines on enforcement, data protection, and long-term funding.

In recent weeks, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education have reiterated that the scheme is not intended to replace scholarships or grants, but rather to complement existing funding mechanisms.

They have also stressed that repayments will only commence once beneficiaries secure paid employment, a provision meant to protect graduates from immediate financial pressure.

NELFUND said further updates would continue to be shared through its official communication channels, as it works with relevant ministries, tertiary institutions and financial partners to streamline the application process.