NELFUND Extends 2025/2026 Student Loan Application Deadline

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session to February 27, 2026, moving the earlier deadline of January 31, 2026.

The extension is intended to provide additional time for prospective applicants who are yet to apply or complete their applications, ensuring that all eligible students have adequate opportunity to submit the required information within the stipulated period.

NELFUND explained that the decision reflects its commitment to expanding access to educational support and ensuring that no qualified student is excluded due to procedural delays.

Reacting to the development, the Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, encouraged students of Delta State origin studying in higher institutions across Nigeria to take advantage of the extension and apply for the loan at no cost.

Applications are to be completed online through the official NELFUND portal by selecting the “Apply Now” option. Applicants are required to create an account using a valid email address and verify their identity and student status using their National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration number.

Students must also provide institutional details, including matriculation number or admission/JAMB number for fresh students, select the preferred loan category—either institutional fees, upkeep allowance, or both—and upload their admission letter before submission. Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications directly through the online portal.

The Delta State Government described the extension as evidence of the Federal Government’s and NELFUND’s commitment to inclusivity and improved access to education. The student loan initiative, it noted, aligns with the vision of Sheriff Oborevwori under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda, aimed at promoting equal opportunities for students across the state.

In view of the above, the Vice-Chancellor has directed that this information be widely circulated among students across all Faculties and Departments. Non-teaching staff are also encouraged to support dissemination efforts to ensure students are fully informed and able to take advantage of this opportunity.