By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A mobile platform tailored to transforms the way people learn to code by combining interactive challenges and real-time AI-powered feedback has been launched.

The application, Efiwe, a mobile-first and AI-driven platform that allows anyone to master coding directly from a smartphone, was created to make coding accessible to all

It offers comprehensive training in HTML through hundreds of structured challenges, with CSS and JavaScript set to follow soon.

The platform, launched on Saturday, August 16, 2025, is embedded with an adaptive AI tutor, which analyses learner’s progress, prioritises errors, predicts helpful hints, and adjusts the pace of lessons. The AI doesn’t just point out mistakes, it personalises the journey, ensuring that each learner is challenged but never overwhelmed.

According to the founder of Efiwe, Mr Chidi Nwaogu, the platform was borne out of a clear signal of the urgent global demand for more inclusive and accessible coding education.

He said through Efiwe, learners can be guided step by step to build a professional website from scratch, moving from a blank page to a polished project without the need for a computer or additional software, noting that by focusing on mobile accessibility, Efiwe ensures that coding education is no longer limited by device or geography.

The platform’s offline capability, powered by lightweight on-device AI models, is one of its most groundbreaking features. Once loaded, Efiwe can function without an internet connection, allowing learners in regions with limited or expensive connectivity to continue their coding journey uninterrupted. Its multilingual support in 33 languages further broadens accessibility, making it a truly global solution.

“We believe coding education should be fun, accessible, and effective — and that’s what Efiwe delivers.

“With over 33 languages available and a fully offline mode, we are breaking down barriers and giving people from all backgrounds the chance to learn how to code. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring developer, Efiwe is here to help you grow,” Mr Nwaogu stated.

“Efiwe is built on the belief that anyone, anywhere, should be able to start their coding journey. By making it mobile-first and offline-ready, we’re especially empowering learners in regions where internet access is limited or costly. Efiwe is proof that technology can bridge the global digital divide,” he added.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the disbursement of a total of N86.3 billion loan to 449,039 students since the scheme was launched on its portal on May 24, 2024.

According to the latest daily status report released on Monday, August 11, 2025, the scheme disbursed the loan as of August 6, 2025.

The fund noted that “the scheme delivers on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of empowering every Nigerian student through access to higher education funding.”

It said the disbursement included N47,629,338,384 paid directly to 218 institutions as tuition fees and N38,718,120,000 given to students as upkeep allowances.

The report further revealed that 731,140 students have registered on the loan portal, out of which 720,732 have successfully applied for loans — representing a 98 per cent application success rate.

Data from the dashboard shows a daily increase of 933 in the number of successful registrants and an additional 1,094 successful applicants.

The update was necessitated by concerns over alleged misconduct threatening the integrity and transparency of the student loan scheme established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.

There have also been cases of students who have graduated still receiving loans, as well as loan payments to institutions even after students have paid their fees as well as collusion between some tertiary institutions and financial institutions to delay, divert, or conceal student loan disbursements.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The first 30 beneficiaries of the N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship of Sterling Bank Limited have been revealed, with nominations for the next round of candidates paused until September 2025.

However, voting remains open and verified nominees have been encouraged to continue engaging their communities as the next cohort will be selected in the coming weeks.

The N2 billion education fund is designed to pay for university education of 600 exceptional young Nigerians and connect them to future careers in high-impact sectors.

The initiative, launched in June 2025, is built not just to provide scholarships, but to create real-world pathways to employment and socio-economic mobility.

Unlike conventional scholarship programs, Beyond Education is intentionally designed to support Nigeria’s critical development agenda.

It aligns with Sterling’s HEART strategy, an investment framework focused on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, and the goal is to build a talent pipeline for sectors that are vital to the country’s future.

The first 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were thoroughly vetted to ensure they met admission requirements at the partner universities.

While the scholarship covers full tuition, recipients are responsible for associated costs such as internet access, learning materials, and living expenses, a structure designed for sustainability and scale.

The programme fully covers undergraduate tuition at two forward-looking, accredited institutions, Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science and Technology (HUST), a STEM-centered campus in Ekiti State.

The recipients are Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.

Commenting on the announcement of the first 30 scholars chosen for the initiative, the Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu, said, “This is more than a scholarship; it’s a national development strategy.

“We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”

With 570 scholarships still to be awarded, Sterling Bank says it remains committed to expanding access to quality education and helping shape a future-ready workforce for Nigeria.