Student Loan Controversy: NANS Demands Transparency from Tinubu

Transparency in the student loan scheme's implementation has been advocated by the National Nigerian Students.

"Education remains our major focus.

The nation's top student body demanded that the Federal Government designate someone with unwavering honesty and skill to supervise loan disbursement.

According to NANS, doing this would ensure the scheme's sustainability as well as its success.

The call was made by Pedro Obi, the National President of NANS, in a statement that was provided to reporters on Friday in Abeokuta.

He emphasized that to safeguard the rights and future of the students studying overseas, the federal government must act swiftly and firmly.

The statement said, "We urge the Federal government to prioritize transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the loans and this must be done by engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme."

"It is imperative that the government designate people with unwavering honesty and skill to supervise student loan disbursement.

 

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To guarantee a fair and impartial government, these appointees ought to come from a variety of disciplines, such as academics, finance, and civil society bodies.

"We also implore the government to establish open and efficient oversight systems to trace the distribution of monies and guarantee their proper distribution. This entails frequent audits, open reporting, and outlets for student feedback regarding any problems or anomalies.

NANS praised President Bola Tinubu's administration for launching the student loan program and urged the government to involve all pertinent parties in the program's execution.

The student body claims that if the loan is administered correctly, it can stop the large-scale departure of Nigerian students studying abroad and ease the financial problems that many students and their families are currently facing.

  

"All qualified students, irrespective of their financial situation, should be able to apply for the loan program. To prevent any confusion or discrimination, the qualifying requirements for loans and the terms of repayment should be made explicit and explained.

"We think that the student loan program will greatly advance educational prospects and add to Nigeria's socio-economic development if it is carefully planned and implemented.

"We pledge our utmost support to the federal government in this endeavor and eagerly anticipate the positive effects of this initiative on the educational system and students of our country."

In addition, Obi demanded immediate action over the reported deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the UK who had neglected to pay their tuition.

The Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 was signed into law by Tinubu on June 12, 2023, allowing indigent students to apply for interest-free loans at any Nigerian postsecondary institution to further their studies.

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