- ASUU criticizes proposed students’ loan scheme, fearing it could trap beneficiaries in perpetual debt and deprive public universities of funds
- Despite assurances from government officials, ASUU remains opposed to the scheme, citing concerns over fee hikes and corruption susceptibility
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the federal government’s proposed student loan scheme, labelling it as a tactic to trap beneficiaries in perpetual debt post-graduation.
ASUU contends that the scheme, championed by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, would not only deprive public universities of crucial funds but would also be susceptible to corruption in Nigeria.
Previously, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, urged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to support the Students’ Loan Fund policy, asserting its goal of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their financial backgrounds.
Despite these assurances, ASUU remains steadfast in its opposition to the scheme. During their union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Niger Delta University, the lecturers reiterated their rejection of the scheme, citing concerns over fee hikes across campuses without input from affected students.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, speaking via a communique, expressed disappointment with the perceived failure of the Tinubu-led administration to address longstanding issues, which had led to a nationwide strike from February to October 2022.
Meanwhile, the NANS has called on ASUU to reconsider its opposition to the student loan scheme. President of the Senate, NANS HQ, Sen. Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, urged ASUU to halt its resistance and refrain from speaking on behalf of students without their consent.
The rift between ASUU and the federal government over the student loan scheme underscores ongoing tensions regarding funding and access to quality education within the education sector.
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