Posted by Despite claims to the contrary made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) maintains that those who benefit from the federal government’s student loan program would be forever indebted.
Following its National Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, ASUU had also claimed that the move would deny universities the funding they needed to operate efficiently.
The student body, however, has stated that, in contrast to what ASUU has claimed, the plan actually offers hope to many students, especially those who are struggling financially.
Consequently, it strongly advised the union representing university professors to stay out of the way of the plan to expand access to higher education.
“If ASUU has any genuine concerns or reservations about the programme, it should address them openly and transparently,” responded Akinteye Babatunde, president of NANS Senate.
“The time has come for ASUU to put student needs first and back programs that will help all students.”
The fact that ASUU is fighting a plan that will help a lot of students is discouraging, according to Babatunde.
Following its NEC meeting, ASUU expressed scepticism about the loan scheme, citing the failure of comparable initiatives in economies with stronger management.
In a climate where the Education Bank project perished after more than five years due to corruption, nepotism, and other undesirable characteristics, it seemed puzzling why the initiative would be successful.