The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, has commended the Federal Government for considering inclusion of students from private tertiary institutions in the student loan scheme.
According to media reports, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed during a strategic engagement and sensitisation campaign in Enugu on Thursday that students in private institutions may begin to benefit from the federal student loan scheme within the next three years.
Reacting to the announcement, Prof. Adebayo described the consideration as a welcome development, noting that it would help bridge the gap between public and private tertiary institutions, particularly in terms of access to government support.
Adebayo stated that the move will lead to equal access to education, promotes fairness and reduce admission pressure on public institutions.
He said, “Regardless of the type of institution they attend, education is a fundamental right of our youths and they should have equal opportunities to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
“The Federal Government students loan is a commendable initiative but while it has been pegged to benefit students of public institutions, government must also realise that there are financial needs in private schools also.
“Many students in private institutions come from low-or middle-income families who struggle to pay tuition. The assumption that all private school students are from wealthy families is just a misconception.
“I am happy to hear that NELFUND CEO, Mr Sawyerr, said private school students will be considered for student loan soon.
“One of the advantages of this move is that admission pressure on public institutions will ease because the development would encourage more students to consider private universities, knowing they are also qualified for government support through student loan. In a way, it paves the way for an all inclusive national development drive and ensures that all Nigerian students are treated fairly, regardless of the institution they attend.”
The Vice-Chancellor also urged the Federal Government to review the policy guiding the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to include private institutions in its intervention programs.
He said, “TETFUND has played a significant role in supporting the development and transformation of education through its financial interventions. However, these benefits are currently restricted to public institutions.
“Private universities, though privately owned, were established to contribute to the advancement of education in Nigeria, and their students being Nigerians deserve equal access to such support. Private institutions are equally entitled to benefit from TETFUND’s disbursement,” he added.
