…extension is to enable eligible students complete their applications on the NELFUND Student Loan Portal.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times | The NELFUND Student Loan Portal has been extended for the 2025/2026 academic session following requests from several tertiary institutions seeking additional time to enable eligible students complete their applications.
The extension of the NELFUND Student Loan Portal was confirmed on Thursday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, in an official statement issued to the public.
According to Sawyerr, the decision to extend the NELFUND Student Loan Portal application window was taken after some participating institutions formally appealed to the agency for more time to assist their students in completing the process.
He clarified that the extension is strictly limited to institutions that submitted official requests to the Fund, explaining that the measure is designed to ensure that qualified students do not miss the opportunity to benefit from the federal government’s student loan initiative.
“The extension applies strictly to institutions that submitted official requests to NELFUND for additional time to enable their eligible students complete their applications on the NELFUND Student Loan Portal,” Sawyerr said.
Expanding Access to Higher Education Financing
The NELFUND Student Loan Portal forms a key component of the Federal Government’s broader effort to expand access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers that often prevent Nigerian students from completing their academic programmes.
Under the scheme, eligible students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education can apply for financial support to cover tuition and other essential academic expenses.
Officials say the programme is intended to provide sustainable funding options for students who might otherwise struggle to finance their education due to rising tuition costs and economic challenges.
Sawyerr reiterated that the extension reflects NELFUND’s determination to ensure that no qualified student is excluded from the initiative simply because of administrative delays.
“NELFUND remains committed to ensuring that eligible students across participating institutions have the opportunity to access the student loan programme,” he stated.
Institutions Request Additional Time
According to the statement, several tertiary institutions requested the extension after identifying students who had not yet completed their applications on the NELFUND Student Loan Portal.
University administrators reportedly asked the Fund to grant additional time so that eligible students could finalise the required documentation and submit their applications before the portal closes.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that many students across the country face challenges such as limited internet access, incomplete documentation and delays in obtaining institutional verification.
These challenges, they say, sometimes prevent otherwise qualified students from completing the application process within the initial deadline.
By granting the extension, NELFUND aims to ensure that these logistical challenges do not deprive students of the opportunity to access financial support through the NELFUND Student Loan Portal.
Call for Students to Complete Applications
NELFUND has therefore urged students in institutions affected by the extension to take advantage of the additional time and complete their applications without delay.
The agency advised applicants to use only the official NELFUND Student Loan Portal to submit their forms and verify their eligibility for the programme.
Students were also encouraged to carefully review all application requirements and ensure that their information is accurate before final submission.
Education experts say the extension could benefit thousands of students nationwide who are seeking financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2025/2026 academic session.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Beyond expanding access, NELFUND emphasised that it remains committed to maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability in the management of the student loan scheme.
The agency noted that the programme is designed to operate within a sustainable financing framework that ensures long-term support for students while maintaining financial discipline.
According to the statement, the Fund will continue to work closely with tertiary institutions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the effectiveness of the NELFUND Student Loan Portal and improve the accessibility of student financing across Nigeria.
NELFUND also reiterated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and creating equal opportunities for students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
By expanding financial support through the NELFUND Student Loan Portal, the Federal Government hopes to reduce the number of students forced to abandon their academic pursuits due to financial difficulties.
With the new extension now in effect, eligible students in participating institutions have another opportunity to complete their applications and secure the financial assistance needed to pursue higher education in Nigeria.
