Plans are underway to introduce specialized software that will help students with disabilities access Nigeria’s Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at supporting tertiary education across the country.
Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement on student loans in Benin City, Edo State. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.
“We are working with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to ensure greater inclusivity,” Sawyerr said. “The software will specifically support visually impaired students, making it easier for them to apply for loans.”
The event, which brought together religious leaders, parents, disability advocates, government officials, and community representatives, highlighted the transformative nature of the initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Sawyerr also addressed concerns about loan repayment, assuring attendees that the law stipulates that loans will be wiped out in the event of a beneficiary’s death, without transferring the debt to their family.
“The goal is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints,” Sawyerr stated, noting that the government had set up NELFUND with substantial political and financial backing to support students in need.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, praised the Federal Government for turning the student loan scheme into a reality. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts in making education more accessible and thanked the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of NELFUND.
“We will collaborate on aggressive sensitization to ensure that students in Edo State fully benefit from this initiative,” said Idahosa.
Meanwhile, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, humorously advised parents to avoid having more children solely because of the financial relief provided by NELFUND.
He described the loan as “nearly free,” with zero interest and a repayment plan that begins only after beneficiaries complete their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and secure employment. Repayments will be deducted at 10% of the individual’s salary.