The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026.

The original deadline was January 31, 2026. The extension gives prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their applications.

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, explained the reason for the change.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from January 31 to February 27, 2026,” Oluwatuyi said.

The decision was taken to ensure that no eligible student misses out due to time constraints.

NELFUND’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akintunde Sawyerr, highlighted the Fund’s focus on inclusivity.

“We understand that some students may need extra time to finalize their applications,” he said.

“This extension ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair chance to benefit from the Fund.”

The Fund urged students who have not yet applied or completed their applications to take advantage of the additional time and submit all required documents before the new deadline.

NELFUND was established to administer the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme. It was enacted into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024.

The initiative provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in public tertiary institutions. The loans cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Loan beneficiaries are required to repay the funds after graduation and once they are employed.

As of January 29, 2026, the total amount disbursed under the scheme stood at ₦174,561,719,810.