The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to next month, giving prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their forms.
The Fund announced the extension in a statement issued in Abuja, explaining that the earlier deadline scheduled for this month was shifted to accommodate students who may still be finalising their applications.
According to NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the decision was aimed at ensuring that no eligible student is left out due to timing constraints.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from this month to next month,” the statement read.
Oluwatuyi added that the move was designed to promote broader participation in the scheme and ease access for applicants nationwide.
Reacting to the development, NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the extension reflects the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. 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,” Sawyerr said.
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 and ensure all required information is submitted on or before next month.
The Fund also noted that further updates would be communicated through its official channels.
NELFUND was established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Under the programme, the Federal Government provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
The initiative is aimed at reducing financial barriers to education, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.
As of this month, a total of ₦174,561,719,810 has been disbursed under the student loan scheme.
