NELFUND Extends 2025/2026 Student Loan Deadline to February 27

Nigerian Education Loan Fund 2025/2026 application deadline extension news.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially pushed back the application closing date for the 2025/2026 academic cycle to February 27, 2026.

In a press release shared in Abuja this Thursday, the agency confirmed that the previous January 31 deadline was moved to offer students more breathing room to finish their submissions.

Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications, noted that this shift aims to prevent any qualified student from missing out because of tight schedules.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced an extension of the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from January 31, 2026, to February 27, 2026,” the official statement confirmed.

Commitment to Educational Access

Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, emphasized that the extension highlights the fund's dedication to 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 explained.

NELFUND continues to advise students to monitor official communication platforms for further updates.

NELFUND LOAN application and Verification Update 2025/2026 session

What NELFUND has done differently

Launched following President Bola Tinubu's April 2024 legislation, the scheme provides interest-free loans to public tertiary institution students for tuition and upkeep. Since opening in May 2024, the initiative has focused on removing financial hurdles for underprivileged scholars.

As of January 29, 2026, NELFUND has successfully disbursed a total of N174,561,719,810 to support Nigerian students.

To ensure your application is successful before the February 27, 2026 deadline, here is a definitive checklist of the documents and details you need.

The process is entirely online via the NELFUND Portal, so have these digital copies and details ready:

1. Mandatory Identity & Identification

JAMB Registration Number: Required for all applicants (including Direct Entry students).
National Identification Number (NIN): Must be linked to your mobile number and match your official records.
Bank Verification Number (BVN): Required to verify your identity and link your bank account.
Matriculation Number: If you are a returning student (freshers may use their JAMB/Admission number if a matric number isn't assigned yet).

2. Required Documents (Scanned Copies)

Admission Letter: This is mandatory. It must be a clear, scanned copy (usually the JAMB Admission Letter).
Student ID Card: Valid institutional ID (optional but highly recommended for verification).
Institution’s Invoice/Fees Schedule: To specify the exact "Institutional Charges" required.

3. Account & Contact Details

Personal Bank Account: An active account in your name for "Upkeep" disbursements.
Active Email Address: For account verification and status updates.
Residential Details: Your current home address, State, and Local Government Area (LGA).

Follow this steps for easy application

Data Matching: Ensure the name on your JAMB, NIN, and Bank Account is identical. Discrepancies often lead to application rejection.
Institution Upload: Before applying, confirm that your school has uploaded your data to the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. If your matriculation number isn't recognized, contact your school’s Dean of Student Affairs.
Upkeep Selection: During the application, you must explicitly check the box for "Upkeep" if you want to receive the monthly living allowance in addition to your tuition fees.

NELFUND Extends 2025/2026 Student Loan Deadline to February 27