The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to stop its opposition to the students’ loan scheme instituted by the federal government.
The students body said members of the association are really in need of the loan facilities as it is designed to ease their financial burdens, particularly put upon them and many other Nigerians by the current economic downturn.
The student’s body in a statement by the Senate President of the association, Babatunde Akinteye, said their attention had been drawn to the consistent opposition of ASUU to the students’ loan scheme.
“But we would like to call on ASUU to henceforth refrain from interfering in matters concerning the Student Loan Programme as the generality of students are not only supportive of the programme but also advocating for its immediate implementation,” he said.
According to the students’ body, the loan scheme represents a ray of hope for many Nigerian students, especially those facing financial hardship.
“The scheme will offer opportunities for children from less privileged homes to access higher education, thereby leveling the playing field and fostering equal opportunities for all Nigerian youths.”
NANS explained that it is disheartening that ASUU, which is purportedly dedicated to the welfare of students, is now opposing a programme that can provide much-needed relief to them.
They noted that parents of some of them even do collect loans with high interest rates from banks to sponsor their education and now wonder why they would not jump at the free-interest loans from the government.
“So, any attempt by ASUU to speak on behalf of students on this Student Loan Programme is unacceptable to us.
“ASUU should refrain from further opposing the loan scheme.”
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