The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged transparency in implementing the student loan plan.
The country’s top student body urged the federal government to designate someone of indisputable honesty and expertise to oversee loan disbursements.
NANS stated that this will assure the scheme’s success and long-term viability.
Pedro Obi, the National President of NANS, made the demand in a statement sent to journalists in Abeokuta on Friday.
NANS also urged for immediate action over the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the United Kingdom for failing to pay their school fees.
NANS insisted that the federal government take urgent and decisive action to protect the rights and futures of international students.
NANS praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for establishing the student loan plan and urged the government to involve all essential stakeholders in its implementation.
According to the students’ union, if correctly implemented, the loan would not only reduce the financial constraints suffered by many students and their families, but it may also put an end to the vast departure of Nigerian students abroad for education.
The statement reads:
“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, and this must be done by engaging all relevant stakeholders.
“It is crucial that the government appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of student loans. These appointees should be drawn from diverse backgrounds, including academia, finance, and civil society, to ensure a balanced and fair administration.
“We also urge the government to put in place transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately. This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.
“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.
“We believe that with careful planning and execution, the student loan scheme will not only enhance educational opportunities but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
“We extend our full support to the federal government in this endeavour and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our nation’s students and educational system.”
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cc: Vanguard Ng
