The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has urged the Federal Government to be transparent in implementing the student loan scheme.
National President of NANS, Pedro Obi, made the call in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday, urging the Federal Government to appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of the loans.
NANS said this would ensure the scheme’s success and guarantee its sustainability.
The association also called for urgent action on the alleged deportation of Nigerian students from Teesside University in the United Kingdom for defaulting on their school fees.
The students body insisted that the Federal Government must take immediate and decisive action to protect the rights and futures of students abroad.
Applauding President Bola Tinubu-led administration for initiating the student loan scheme, NANS called on the government to engage all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the scheme.
According to NANS, the loan, if properly implemented, would not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students and their families but is also capable of ending the mass exodus of Nigerian students outside the country for studies.
The statement read: “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.’’
Be transparent in disbursing Student Loan – NANS urges Nigerian Govt