Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its student loan application portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitization campaign.

Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said in a statement on Monday in Abuja, that the decision followed a reminder notice issued last week informing the public that the NELFUND student loan application portal would close on February 27, 2026.

“In response to strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, and in recognition of the surge in applications and inquiries, the Fund has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications, pending further management decisions and communications,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the extension is specifically intended to accommodate: “Students who require additional time to complete their applications; prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during the recent nationwide sensitization engagements; institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session and institutions who have not yet submitted their verified student lists.”

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access.

“Our sensitization efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Therefore, in line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure that all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” Sawyerr said.

NELFUND reiterated that institutions, which have not yet commenced the 2025/2026 academic session, must submit an official request for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar for consideration.

“Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this window to complete their applications via the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closes,” he said.

According to the statement, NELFUND remained committed to transparency, accountability and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions that remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.