1. Introduction

The Enugu State Scholarship & Education Loans Board ("ESSELB", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you apply for scholarships through our platform.

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you apply for a scholarship, we collect:

• Full name, date of birth, and gender
• Contact information (email address, phone number, residential address)
• State of origin and Local Government Area
• Educational information (institution, course of study, academic records)
• Identification documents (National ID, State of Origin Certificate)
• Financial information (for loan applications)
• Passport photographs

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and browser type
• Device information
• Application usage data
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process and evaluate scholarship applications
• Verify your eligibility for scholarships and education loans
• Communicate with you about your application status
• Conduct Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for scholarship selection
• Disburse scholarship funds to successful applicants
• Maintain records for auditing and compliance purposes
• Improve our services and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent fraud and ensure security

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Government Agencies

We may share your information with relevant Enugu State Government agencies for verification and administrative purposes.

4.2 Educational Institutions

We may verify your enrollment status and academic records with your educational institution.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.

4.4 Third-Party Service Providers

We may engage trusted third-party service providers to assist with application processing, email communications, and data storage. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Staff training on data protection

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Application records are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with government record-keeping requirements.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Object to processing of your information
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)
• Lodge a complaint with relevant data protection authorities

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze usage patterns, and maintain session security. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals who are at least 16 years old. If you are under 16, you must have parental or guardian consent to apply for scholarships.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: