Lawmaker warns against politicising students’ loan scheme

Terseer Ugbor (APC-Benue), a member of the House of Representatives, has warned against politicising the disbursement of loans to students at educational institutions across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Ugbor, who represents the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue State, requested openness and transparency in the management and dispensing of student loans.

He also warned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to be mindful of political influence in fund management, such as vendor selection and staff recruitment.

Mr Ugbor, former Chairman of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Student Loans, stated that the program must be equitable, transparent, and accountable.

The lawmaker contended that there were no public records on the actual number of loans disbursed.

He claims there are insufficient documents about loan amounts, repayment plans, participating institutions, and insurance policies covering these loans.

He explained that he was unable to tell how many students of Benue State origin received the loans, as a result of lack of public records. 

He questioned loan disbursements that did not include credit life and health insurance for students, as well as recovery measures in the event of death, disability, or default.

Mr Ugbor advocated for greater transparency in the management of student loans as one of President Bola Tinubu’s legacy initiatives.