The National Nigerian Students has demanded transparency in the implementation of the student loan scheme.
The apex student body in the country called on the Federal Government to appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of the loans.
NANS said this would not only ensure the scheme’s success but guarantee its sustainability.
The National President of NANS, Pedro Obi made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Friday.
He insisted that the Federal government must take immediate and decisive action to protect the rights and future of the students abroad.
The statement read, “To ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme, we urge the Federal government to prioritise transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the loans and this must be done by engaging all relevant stakeholders.
“It is crucial that the government appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of student loans. These appointees should be drawn from diverse backgrounds, including academia, finance, and civil society, to ensure a balanced and fair administration.
“We also urge the government to put in place transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately. This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.”
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiating the student loan scheme, NANS called on the government to engage all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the scheme.
According to the student body, the loan if properly implemented would not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students and their families but is also capable of ending the mass exodus of Nigerian students outside the country for studies.
“The loan scheme should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all eligible students, regardless of their socio-economic background. Criteria for loan eligibility and repayment terms should be clearly defined and communicated to avoid any ambiguity or discrimination.
“We believe that with careful planning and execution, the student loan scheme will not only enhance educational opportunities but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
“We extend our full support to the Federal government in this endeavour and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our nation’s students and educational system.”
Obi also called for urgent action on the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the UK for defaulting on their school fees.
On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.
