The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant increase in nationwide demand from students across the country.
The decision comes after a surge in applications and inquiries, driven by growing awareness of the student loan scheme. In recent weeks, more students have shown interest in accessing the fund to support their tertiary education, prompting the management to extend the application window to ensure that no eligible applicant is left out.
According to NELFUND, the sharp rise in demand reflects the impact of its nationwide sensitization campaign, which has reached students and institutions across the six geopolitical zones. As more prospective beneficiaries became aware of the opportunity, application traffic on the portal increased significantly.
The extension is designed to accommodate students who need extra time to complete their applications, as well as those who only recently learned about the scheme. It also provides room for institutions that are just commencing their 2025/2026 academic session and those yet to submit verified student lists required for processing.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to expanding access to higher education financing. He emphasized that the extension aligns with the agency’s mandate to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity for all eligible Nigerian students.
Institutions that have not yet begun the new academic session are expected to formally request consideration for extension and submit their approved academic calendars. This step is necessary to maintain proper coordination and verification in the application process.
Students are strongly advised to use this extended window to complete their applications through the official NELFUND portal before it eventually closes. With the growing demand nationwide, early submission is encouraged to avoid last-minute challenges.
NELFUND maintains that it remains focused on transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of the student loan scheme. The extension underscores the government’s effort to remove financial barriers and improve access to tertiary education for thousands of Nigerian students.
