The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded transparency in the implementation of the student loan scheme.
The country’s apex student body urged the Federal Government to appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the loan disbursement, ensuring the scheme’s success and sustainability.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday, NANS National President Pedro Obi emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action by the Federal Government to protect the rights and future of Nigerian students.
To ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme, we urge the Federal Government to prioritize transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the loans by engaging all relevant stakeholders, the statement read.
It is crucial that the government appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement.
These appointees should come from diverse backgrounds, including academia, finance, and civil society, to ensure a balanced and fair administration.
NANS also called for transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure proper fund allocation.
This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.
Commending Tinubu’s administration for initiating the student loan scheme, NANS emphasized the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in its implementation.
Properly implemented, the loan could alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students and their families and curb the mass exodus of Nigerian students seeking education abroad.
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, NANS stated.
NANS expressed confidence that with careful planning and execution, the student loan scheme would enhance educational opportunities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The organization extended full support to the Federal Government and looked forward to the positive impact of the initiative on the nation’s students and educational system.
Obi also called for urgent action regarding the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the UK for defaulting on their school fees.
