The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is calling on the federal government to be transparent and truthful in the execution of the student loan program.
In a statement made available to Africa Health Report (AHR), on Saturday, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Pedro Obi, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in this initiative.
NANS stressed the importance of the Federal Government making transparency a priority and involving all key stakeholders to guarantee the student loan scheme’s success and credibility.
Obi emphasized the necessity for transparency and accountability in the distribution of loans, stressing the engagement of all relevant parties as essential for achieving this goal.
The student body stressed the importance of appointing individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence from diverse backgrounds, including academia, finance, and civil society, to oversee the loan disbursement.
“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,” the statement read.
Furthermore, NANS urged the government to implement transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure appropriate allocation of funds. This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiating the student loan scheme, NANS called on the government to involve all relevant stakeholders in its implementation.
According to the student body, if properly implemented, the loan would alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students and their families, potentially curbing the mass exodus of Nigerian students abroad for studies.
“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,” Obi highlighted.
“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 endeavor and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our nation’s students and educational system,” the statement concluded.
Additionally, Obi called for urgent action regarding the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the UK for defaulting on their school fees.
