…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the student loan bill into law.
In a statement released by NANS Zone D Coordinator, Adejuwon Olatunji, the organization praised the bill as a progressive step towards enhancing the education system in the country.
Supporting Students from Financially Challenged Backgrounds:
Olatunji emphasized that the student loan bill will serve as a means to support students whose parents are unable to afford their tuition fees.
The loan scheme will enable these students to pay their fees through loans and later repay them.
Concerns about Repayment Terms:
However, the NANS official raised concerns about the feasibility of the repayment terms outlined in the bill.
Olatunji pointed out that the given ultimatum for repayment poses challenges, especially considering the current lack of employment opportunities for graduates.
He questioned how graduates, who often struggle to find employment immediately after completing their studies, would be able to repay their loans.
He also inquired about the provisions for individuals who remain jobless even two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Bill Background and the Nigerian Education Bank:
The bill signed by President Tinubu on Monday was originally passed by the National Assembly in November 2022.
It was sponsored by Femi Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the current Chief of Staff to the President.
The legislation paves the way for the establishment of the Nigerian education bank, which will be responsible for the administration, supervision, coordination, and monitoring of student loans across the country.
Role of the Nigerian Education Bank:
As per the provisions of the legislation, the Nigerian education bank will handle the application process for student loans received from higher institutions on behalf of the applicants.
The bank will also undertake the screening of loan applications.
Conclusion:
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed its gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the student loan bill into law, recognizing it as a positive step for the education system.
However, NANS raised concerns regarding the feasibility of the repayment terms and the employment situation for graduates.
The bill establishes the Nigerian education bank, which will oversee the administration and management of student loans in the country.
The bank will receive loan applications through higher institutions and conduct the necessary screening processes.