The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is set to deploy specialized software to ensure students with disabilities can seamlessly access its student loan scheme.
In a statement released on Sunday, NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr announced the development at a stakeholders’ forum on student loans in Benin City, Edo State, stressing that the initiative guarantees equal access for all.
“We want to ensure that visually impaired students and others with disabilities can apply for loans without barriers,” Sawyerr stated. “We are developing specialized software to make the process inclusive.”
NELFUND is collaborating with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to drive inclusivity, Sawyerr added.
Addressing concerns about loan repayment, he clarified: “If a beneficiary dies, the loan is completely canceled—it does not transfer to their family or anyone else.”
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa hailed the initiative as a game-changer. “This scheme relieves parents of the financial burden of higher education,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and former House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila in making the program a reality.
Edo Education Commissioner, Dr. Paddy Iyamu quipped, “To my men folk, don’t start having more kids just because NELFUND will cover school fees,” drawing laughter.
The initiative, described as “nearly free” due to its zero-interest policy, will require repayment only after two years of employment, with deductions capped at 10% of salaries.
