The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to prioritize scholarship for students in
order to make its student loan scheme work.
The Deputy Rector, Academics, Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Dr. Ismail Badmus made this appeal at the Formal Closing Ceremony of the 10-day 113th Islamic Vacation Course
(IVC), organized by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit.
Dr Badmus spoke on the theme of the 113th IVC, “The Benchmark” at the Human Capacity Development Centre, Noforija, Epe, Lagos on Sunday.
The Deputy Rector acknowledged that student scholarship is laudable, but loan may not be sustainable for students.
He said, “When you give somebody a loan, you want him to pay back, and some students, guardians or parents are still facing the challenge of poverty, getting them to pay back the loan
may be difficult. It’s unfortunate because my generation grew up with subsidized education.
“Those who excel were on scholarship. The average students had their education subsidized. I don’t think getting students to pay back loans is sustainable for the Nigerian education system.
“There’s still poverty and hunger in the land. It’s like we are cutting off some people if we don’t subsidize education which I benefited from in public primary and secondary school.
“I couldn’t send my children to public primary and secondary school because of the falling standard of education and we want to raise the bar again. Scholarship and bursary are very okay but loan I don’t think it is the best way to go,” he said.
While urging the Federal Government to stick with the United Nations standard on the percentage budgetary allocation to education, Dr Badmus added that, the government must not be shying away from it . Those who excel and those we see as our mentors are strictly
following this,” he pointed.
According to him, there’s no shortcut to getting educated and the government should fund education.
He said, “It is freely funded elsewhere and we are running to them. At least let the government get close to that benchmark of the UN budgetary allocation to education.
“That’s the best way to go. You cannot have peace when your neighbours are not at peace. When your neighbours are hungry, you cannot sleep well,” he added.
In his address, The Amir (President), MSSN Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona, revealed that during the past 10 days, members of the organisation engaged in various activities aimed at spiritual
growth, personal development, and community service.
He said the camping program has provided them with an opportunity to strengthen their faith, build meaningful relationships, and develop valuable skills that will serve them in their
academic, personal, and professional lives.
Abiona urged the participants to remember their responsibilities towards the struggle for the freedom of Palestine, as they assimilate the lessons learned from the just concluded camping
program.
Abiona noted that the situation in Palestine remains an ache in their hearts, and we renew our commitment to their cause.”
The MSSN Lagos Amir added that the land of Palestine is entrenched in Islamic history and the hearts of the Ummah.
He stated, “Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has taught us, “The believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other. Hence, I urge you all to
remember them and our dear Country,Nigeria in your prayers, increase awareness, and advocate for their rights as guided by our faith.