Varsity Students Condemn Postponement of Student Loan Scheme Launch
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has expressed strong disapproval over the delay in the launch of the Students Loan Scheme, originally scheduled for Thursday, citing it as an extension of Nigerian students' sufferings
Binye-lum 
The postponement announcement came from Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, during an interview with Arise News. This decision has drawn criticism from NAUS, which highlights the significant anticipation surrounding the scheme's implementation.
The Students Loan Scheme, initiated under the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, was signed into law by the former President Tinubu on June 12, 2023. Its objective was to facilitate interest-free loans for indigent students pursuing higher education in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Despite initial plans for a September launch and subsequent rescheduling to January 2024, the scheme's rollout has faced setbacks, contributing to frustration among student communities nationwide.
Allocating N50 billion for the scheme's launch in the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly in November, the government aimed to address financial barriers hindering students' access to education.
Reacting to the delay, Comrade Obaji Marshall, NAUS National President, condemned the government's decision, emphasizing the absence of student representation in the scheme's planning committee. Marshall urged stakeholders, including the Central Bank Governor and the Executive Secretary of NELFUND, to expedite the scheme's implementation and alleviate students' expectations.
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In response, NAUS called upon President Tinubu and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the prompt commencement of the Student Loan Scheme, recognizing its significance in supporting students' educational pursuits.
The postponement has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among students, who await urgent action to ensure the scheme's timely initiation and alleviate financial burdens on aspiring tertiary education beneficiaries.
