The anticipated launch of the Student Loan Scheme’s online application by President Bola Tinubu on February 21st is facing potential postponement as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expresses concerns about neglected student input.
Reports indicate that the Executive Secretary of the scheme has not engaged with the leadership of the student body to gather their perspectives on how the scheme should operate.
Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the National President of NANS, emphasized the association’s intention to submit a letter to the President on Monday addressing this issue.
Emonefe also highlighted NANS’ disapproval of including students from private higher institutions as beneficiaries.
Regarding disbursement, he outlined that funds for tuition fees would go directly to schools, accommodation expenses to landlords, and pocket money directly into beneficiaries’ accounts.
It’s worth recalling that the Federal Government had previously set January 2024 as the launch date for the scheme after delays last year.
However, stakeholders are calling for amendments, particularly in the areas of eligibility, selection of guarantors, and the repayment period.