By John Umeh
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action against heads of tertiary institutions who are found to be violating the students’ loan scheme. The student body expressed its dissatisfaction with the ongoing mismanagement and lack of implementation of the scheme, which was introduced to provide financial support to students in need.
In a statement released on Monday, NANS warned that several university leaders, particularly vice-chancellors and rectors, have either delayed or failed to properly execute the scheme designed to ease the financial burdens of students across Nigeria. According to NANS, many students have been left in limbo as a result of the lack of action by the heads of these institutions, who are meant to oversee the fair distribution of the loans.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to sack any vice-chancellor or head of a tertiary institution who is found guilty of not implementing the students’ loan scheme effectively,” said NANS President, Daniel Omoniyi. “This scheme was put in place to provide opportunities for students who are struggling financially. It is unacceptable for any institution to neglect or delay the process, leaving students without the support they desperately need.”
The students’ loan scheme, launched as part of the government’s efforts to improve access to education, offers financial assistance to students from low-income backgrounds. However, many students have raised concerns over delays in disbursement, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of transparency in how the funds are being distributed.
In response, the Ministry of Education has promised to investigate the allegations, with officials noting that disciplinary actions will be taken against any institution found to be neglecting its responsibility.
As the controversy continues to grow, NANS has vowed to stage peaceful protests and mobilize students nationwide if immediate steps are not taken to address the issue. The student body insists that ensuring the full implementation of the loan scheme is a matter of urgent national interest.
