Benin City, Nigeria — In a groundbreaking move towards fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in Nigeria’s education system, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced its intention to introduce specialized software tailored specifically to accommodate students with disabilities in the country’s higher institutions.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement forum on the student loan scheme held in Benin City, Edo State.
Prioritizing Inclusivity in Accessing Education Loans
Highlighting the federal government’s commitment to leaving no student behind, Mr. Sawyerr revealed that the new initiative is designed to ensure that students with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired, can seamlessly access and benefit from the student loan program.
“We want to see how we can make it easier for those visually impaired so that they can actually apply for the loan. We are looking at a specific software we are going to use,” he emphasized.
The NELFUND boss further disclosed plans to collaborate closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to guarantee that the software meets the unique needs of students with disabilities, ensuring no Nigerian student is excluded from tertiary education opportunities due to disability or financial constraints.
A Loan Scheme Anchored on Equal Opportunities
Reiterating the provisions of the Act that established NELFUND, Mr. Sawyerr stressed that the loan scheme was crafted to provide equal opportunities for all students across Nigeria, regardless of their socio-economic or physical status.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to democratizing access to higher education, particularly for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
“President Bola Tinubu came up with this initiative that no Nigerian student anywhere in Nigeria should be deprived of the opportunity to gain tertiary education because of lack of money. He has funded it, he has put political will behind it, having created a structure through an Act of Parliament that effectively says that we are to go and look for these students, those who are about to drop out, those who are considering not furthering after secondary level, and solve their financial challenges,” Sawyerr explained.
Loan Repayment: No Burden Passed to Families
In addition to the inclusivity drive, the NELFUND chief addressed growing concerns regarding the repayment structure of the loan scheme. He provided clarity on the policy concerning unforeseen circumstances, specifically the death of a beneficiary.
“The law is very clear. If a loan beneficiary dies, the loan is not transferred to their family or anyone else. The loan is wiped out,” he stated emphatically.
He also reassured students that the scheme has been designed with a zero-interest rate, making it one of the most student-friendly loan options in the country’s history.
Repayment Only Begins After Employment
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Edo State Commissioner for Education, described the student loan scheme as virtually free, pointing out that beneficiaries are not required to start repayment immediately after graduation.
Instead, repayment begins two years post-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and only after the beneficiary has secured gainful employment. The repayment plan stipulates that 10% of the beneficiary’s monthly salary will be automatically deducted to offset the loan.
Dr. Iyamu lauded NELFUND’s leadership for vigorously promoting the scheme across all three senatorial districts in Edo State, ensuring students everywhere are informed and encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.
He assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led Edo State Government remains fully committed to supporting and amplifying the scheme’s success.
State Government’s Full Support
Also speaking at the engagement forum, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for implementing the scheme, which he said has brought much-needed relief to countless Nigerian families.
He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in the legislative process that birthed the loan initiative.
“Before now, many families faced serious financial challenges in paying school fees. This initiative is a game-changer. I commend Mr. President and Femi Gbajabiamila for their foresight and commitment to Nigerian students,” Idahosa remarked.
He pledged Edo State’s unwavering support in ensuring widespread awareness and seamless access to the loan scheme for all eligible students within the state.
Students Free to Work Abroad Without Restrictions
In a final clarification aimed at dispelling circulating misconceptions, Mr. Sawyerr categorically stated that beneficiaries of the NELFUND loan are not restricted from traveling abroad after graduation.
“The law does not prevent beneficiaries from seeking employment anywhere in the world. Having a loan with NELFUND does not tie students to Nigeria,” he noted.
However, he emphasized that students who secure jobs abroad still bear the responsibility of repaying their loans, encouraging them to remain committed to fulfilling their obligations.
A Bold Step Towards Disability-Inclusive Education
The introduction of specialized software for students with disabilities by NELFUND signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to ensure equitable access to education financing. For thousands of students with disabilities, this initiative could be the key to unlocking their academic dreams without systemic barriers.
As NELFUND continues to strengthen partnerships and deepen its engagement across states, the vision of a truly inclusive, accessible, and affordable tertiary education system in Nigeria appears more within reach than ever before.
