NANS Disagrees with ASUU Over FG’s Student Loan Scheme

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed disagreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, describing it as a “ray of hope” for many students.

ASUU had recently criticized the scheme, suggesting that it would lead beneficiaries into perpetual indebtedness and hinder universities from functioning effectively.

In a statement, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, urged ASUU not to interfere in the implementation of the scheme, emphasizing its potential to provide access to higher education for students facing financial hardship.

Babatunde called on ASUU to prioritize students’ interests and support initiatives beneficial to the entire student community.

ASUU, in its National Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, expressed scepticism about the loan scheme’s success, citing failures of similar initiatives in better-managed economies.

The union questioned the viability of the scheme in Nigeria, given the prevailing issues of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement that led to the collapse of the Education Bank project after five years.

NANS’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among students who see the loan scheme as a potential solution to financial challenges in accessing higher education.

ASUU’s concerns, however, highlight lingering doubts about the government’s ability to manage such a scheme effectively.