No fewer than 66,691 students have submitted fresh applications to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) following the extension of the 2025/2026 application deadline.
Data obtained from the agency’s portal shows that total applications rose from 1,532,552 as of January 31 to 1,599,243 within 12 days. The increase followed the decision to shift the deadline from January 31 to February 27.
Deadline Extension Drives Surge
NELFund had earlier announced that the deadline was extended to give more students time to complete and submit their applications.
The Managing Director of NELFund, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the move was aimed at ensuring equal access for all eligible students.
He explained that some applicants needed extra time to finalise documentation and complete the online process. The extension, he said, was part of efforts to make the loan scheme accessible to more Nigerian students.
N9.3 Billion Disbursed in 12 Days
Between February 1 and Thursday, NELFund disbursed about ₦9.3 billion to beneficiaries. This raised total disbursement from ₦175 billion to ₦184 billion.
The funds cover institutional tuition fees and student upkeep allowances.
According to Sawyerr, about 1.5 million students across 265 institutions have received payments under the scheme so far.
Concerns Over Fee Verification
The recent surge in applications comes amid concerns raised by some final year students who claimed they were barred from writing examinations despite stating that their tuition had been paid through NELFund.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Sawyerr said the agency is engaging affected institutions, including the University of Benin and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, to resolve verification and disbursement issues.
He noted that while the agency is committed to fast payments, strict verification processes are required before funds are released to institutions. According to him, schools must confirm beneficiary lists to prevent errors and misuse of public funds.
NELFund remains one of the largest federal student support schemes in recent years, with millions of applicants seeking financial assistance for higher education across Nigeria.
How to Apply for NELFund 2025/2026 Student Loan before deadline
Students who want to apply for the 2025/2026 loan under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) must complete the process online through the official government portal.
Here is what applicants need to do:
1. Access the Official Portal
Visit the verified NELFund website ( https://nelf.gov.ng ). Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial links shared on social media.
2. Register an Account
Create an account using a valid email address and phone number. After registration, log in to access your dashboard.
3. Fill in Personal Details
Enter your full name, National Identification Number (NIN), date of birth, and contact details. Information provided must match official records to avoid delays.
4. Provide Academic Information
Applicants will be required to input their institution name, matriculation number, course of study, and current academic level.
5. Upload Required Documents
Students may need to upload documents such as their admission letter or student identification. Clear and readable copies are recommended.
6. Submit for Institutional Verification
Before approval, the applicant’s institution must confirm enrolment status. Disbursement is processed only after this verification stage.
7. Track Application Status
After submission, applicants can log into their dashboard to monitor progress and receive updates.
The application deadline for the 2025/2026 cycle is February 27, 2026. Students are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
