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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded transparency in the implementation of the student loan scheme. The apex student body in the country equally called on the Federal Government to appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of the student loans. This, NANS said would not only ensure the success of the scheme, but also guarantee its sustainability. National President of NANS, Pedro Obi, made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Friday. NANS also called for an urgent action on the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the UK for defaulting on their school fees. It insisted that the Federal Government must take immediate and decisive action to protect the rights and future of the students abroad.
While commending the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for initiating the student loan scheme, Obi urged the government to engage all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the scheme.
“To ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme, we urge the Federal Government to prioritise 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 the 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,” the NANS leader said.
