The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, has extended the Student Loan Application Portal, following a surge in nationwide interest generated by its ongoing awareness campaign.

The extension came after a reminder last week that the portal was set to close on February 27, 2026.

In response to strong feedback from students and stakeholders, NELFUND announced additional days to allow eligible students sufficient time to complete their applications.

The Fund, in a statement by the Director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, on Monday, indicated it has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications, pending further management decisions and communications.

According to the statement, the extension targets students who need extra time, prospective applicants made aware of the scheme through recent outreach, institutions that have just begun their 2025/2026 academic session, and schools yet to submit verified student lists.

The Fund said its sensitization efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation.

NELFUND has advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 session to submit an official extension request along with their approved academic calendar. Students are encouraged to complete their applications via the official portal before it eventually closes.

The Fund stressed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and providing sustainable student financing solutions aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.

At the close of the portal on Friday, NELFUND had received 1.69 million applications and disbursed N183.8 billion.