Parents, students, and other stakeholders have expressed their frustration and indignation over the ongoing delays in the student loan disbursement that the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has promised.
The Students Loan Fund (SLF), designed to provide interest-free loans to disadvantaged students, has experienced persistent setbacks, missing the January 2024 target set by the government.
President Tinubu, who signed the SLF into law in June 2023, gave assurances, but the delay still causes uncertainty for aspirant students and their families.
The program’s original start date of September or October 2023 was pushed to January 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Yusuf Sununu, the minister of state for education, announced that all necessary arrangements had been made for the commencement of the programme, including finishing up the technical plan and completing the student loan scheme website.
But it was said that since the minister’s remarks, neither the website nor a further update had been provided on the subject.Furthermore, a Ministry of Education official—who wished to remain anonymous—said that the student loan’s delay is due to expansion obstacles.
“I think the delay in the initiation of student loans arises due to obstacles in the expansion process, which hinders the timely takeoff of this financial support for students,” he said.
On his part, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, said the students are still waiting for the committee on the scheme to meet with stakeholders to kickstart it.He also attributed the delay to the expansion of the loan scheme.
He said: “There is a little delay due to the expansion of the loan scheme by Mr. President. We are waiting for the committee to meet with relevant stakeholders like NANS so that we can kick start.”
Meanwhile, a cross-section of Nigerian students has implored the government to begin the student loan scheme, saying that it will unlock doors to education for those who dream of a brighter future.
A student of microbiology at the University of Abuja, who identified himself as Victor, urged the government to stick to its promise and initiate the student loan scheme.
“We urge the government to commence the student loan scheme. If the government invests in education it will shape our nation’s future,” he said.
Some parents also urged the government to kickstart the student loan to support children’s pursuit of higher education.
Gloria Kator, a resident of Lugbe, Abuja, whose son is at the University of Abuja, urged the government to initiate the student loan without delay to secure a brighter future for Nigerian children through accessible education.
“I would like to implore the government to commence student loans promptly, ensuring our children’s educational journey is not hindered by financial barriers,” she said.