President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on students to actively support the student loan scheme designed to ensure equal access to quality education regardless of financial background.
The scheme, anticipated to launch within the next three weeks, holds the potential to become a defining legacy of the current administration.
During a meeting with a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by the Association’s President, Lucky Emonefe, Gbajabiamila emphasized President Tinubu’s focus on the success of the Student Loan Funds policy. He assured that the launch is expected within the next two to three weeks, with final details currently being finalized.
Highlighting the program’s potential, Gbajabiamila addressed the unconstitutionality of educational deprivation due to birth circumstances. He stated, “It is to make sure people are not deprived of their education just because of circumstances of their birth that itself is unconstitutional.”
He urged students to counter negative criticisms and champion the policy’s benefits, stressing their key role in ensuring no deserving student is left behind. “Now we are going to need you for the success of this policy because generally, it is a well-received policy,” he said, calling for their embrace and active participation in its success.
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions due to strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Gbajabiamila reassured students that the government is actively addressing the union’s concerns and striving to prevent any looming industrial action.
He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to ending strikes in universities and higher institutions through various directives. This commitment includes declarations aimed at ending strikes by academic unions, highlighting the government’s focus on creating a stable learning environment.
Beyond the Student Loan Funds policy, Gbajabiamila acknowledged the inclusion of two youth representatives in the Federal Executive Council. He further noted plans for establishing a Youth Advisory Council to directly advise the President on youth-related matters and development initiatives.
This move points to the government’s recognition of the importance of youth voices and their inclusion in shaping the nation’s future.
This development holds huge promise for improving educational opportunities and empowering Nigerian youth to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
