The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has introduced specialised software to ensure that students with disabilities in higher institutions seamlessly access its loan scheme.
Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr made this announcement during a stakeholder engagement in Benin City, Edo State, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to inclusivity in student loan accessibility.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Act establishing the scheme, which guarantees equal opportunities for all.
“We are exploring software solutions to assist visually impaired students in applying for loans more easily,” Sawyerr stated, adding that NELFUND will collaborate with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to enhance inclusivity.
The initiative, championed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is regarded as a transformative step for Nigeria’s education sector.
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended the federal government for making the loan scheme a reality and pledged the state’s support in raising awareness to maximize student participation.
NELFUND, established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act of 2024, provides financial assistance covering tuition, fees, and living expenses for eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions and vocational training centers.
Since its launch, the fund has disbursed approximately N22.7 billion, benefiting over 215,000 students across various institutions for the 2023/2024 academic session.
With continuous expansion, NELFUND is onboarding more state-owned institutions to widen student access to financial aid.
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