The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced a new deadline for students applying for the federal government’s student loan scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the Fund, the application deadline, which was previously scheduled for January 31, has now been extended to February 27. The update was confirmed in a statement released by NELFUND’s spokesperson, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.
The extension affects all eligible students applying through the NELFUND application portal nationwide.
Reason for the Extension
NELFUND explained that the decision to extend the deadline was taken to allow more students complete their applications without pressure.
Speaking on the extension, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said some applicants needed additional time to complete documentation and submit accurate information.
According to him, the move reflects the Fund’s commitment to fairness and access for all eligible Nigerian students.
Advice to Prospective Applicants
Mr. Sawyerr advised students who have not started their applications, as well as those who have saved incomplete forms, to use the extended window to finalize and submit their entries.
He encouraged applicants to carefully review their information before submission to avoid errors that could delay processing.
About the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme
NELFUND was established in 2023 following the signing of the Access to Higher Education Act (2023) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Act introduced interest-free student loans for Nigerians studying in public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other approved higher institutions.
NELFUND is responsible for managing loan applications, verification, approval, and disbursement to beneficiaries.
Who Can Apply for NELFUND Student Loan?
The NELFUND student loan scheme is open to:
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Nigerian students admitted into public tertiary institutions
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Undergraduates and eligible postgraduate students
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Students who meet the conditions set under the Access to Higher Education Act
Applicants must be enrolled in approved institutions and meet all verification requirements before approval.
NELFUND Portal and Application Process
Applications for the student loan are completed online through the official NELFUND portal.
Students are expected to:
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Create an account on the NELFUND portal
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Provide valid personal and academic details
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Submit required information for verification
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Complete and submit the application before the deadline
NELFUND advises applicants to use only the official portal and avoid third-party agents.
Key Requirements for NELFUND Loan Application
While requirements may vary based on institution and applicant profile, students are generally expected to provide:
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Valid personal identification details
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Proof of admission into a public tertiary institution
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Academic and enrollment information
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Bank details where applicable
Applicants are advised to ensure that all submitted information is accurate and up to date.
Previous Application Cycles
NELFUND opened its second application cycle on October 23. The first cycle of applications was received between May 2024 and February 21, 2025.
Since the start of the programme, the Fund has recorded strong interest from students across the country.
Loan Disbursement So Far Across Nigerian Institutions
According to NELFUND, the student loan scheme is funded through multiple sources provided under the law. These include government funding, donations, grants, endowments, and other lawful revenue streams.
Since its launch, NELFUND has disbursed ₦161.97 billion to 864,798 students across 263 tertiary institutions nationwide.
Mr. Sawyerr disclosed that the Fund has so far received over 1.36 million loan applications from students across Nigeria.
What the Student Loan Scheme Means for Nigerian Students
The NELFUND student loan scheme was introduced to reduce financial barriers to higher education and ensure that students are not forced to drop out due to lack of funds.
By providing interest-free loans, the programme supports students’ academic progress while promoting access to education for all.
Important Update for Interested Students
Students who are interested in benefiting from the scheme are advised to complete their applications before the new February 27 deadline.
NELFUND also reminded applicants to rely only on official updates from the Fund and avoid misinformation.
