The Nigerian Student Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its student loan application portal following a surge in nationwide interest.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by the fund’s director of strategic communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

Ms Oluwatuyi said the managing director/chief executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, noted that the move was in line with the fund’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access.

Mr Sawyerr said the decision followed increased awareness generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign nationwide.

NELFUND had earlier issued a reminder that the student loan application portal would close on February 27, 2026.

However, the managing director said strong feedback from students and key stakeholders, as well as a rise in applications and inquiries, necessitated additional days for eligible students to complete their applications.

Mr Sawyerr said the extension would accommodate students requiring more time to complete applications and prospective applicants who became aware of the scheme during recent sensitisation engagements.

He added that institutions newly commencing the 2025/2026 academic session and those yet to submit verified student lists would also benefit from the extension.

Mr Sawyerr said sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones had significantly increased awareness and participation in the scheme.

He said the extension was approved to ensure all eligible students had a fair and equal opportunity to apply.

The NELFUND boss advised institutions that had yet to commence the 2025/2026 academic session to submit official requests for extension, accompanied by their approved academic calendar, for consideration.

He also urged students to take advantage of the window to complete their applications through the fund’s official portal before final closure.

(NAN)