In a statemen in Abuja on Monday, the fund said the decision followed last weeks’ notice informing the public that the student loan application portal would close on February 27.

NELFUND said the extension was approved after receiving strong feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, as well as a surge in applications and enquiries.

According to the fund, the additional application window is intended to accommodate students who require more time to complete their applications, prospective applicants who only became aware of the scheme during the recent nationwide sensitisation engagements, institutions newly commencing their 2025/2026 academic session and institutions that are yet to submit their verified student lists.

Speaking on the development, Akintunde Sawyerr, the managing director of NELFUND, said the extension was in line with the fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to tertiary education financing.

“Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation,” Sawyerr said.

“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.”

NELFUND also stated that institutions which have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session must submit an official request for extension, alongside their approved academic calendar, for consideration.

The fund urged students to take advantage of the extended window to complete their applications through its official portal before it eventually closes.

NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the delivery of sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.

The post NELFUND extends student loan application deadline after nationwide sensitisation campaign first appeared on The Times of Abuja.