The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged public tertiary institutions not to hike tuition prices using the Students Loans and Access to Higher Education in Nigeria Act.
Terseer Ugbor, the member representing Benue State’s Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency, proposed the resolution in plenary.
Ugbor, who introduced the motion, stated that the act’s goal was to allow students to borrow to support their education rather than rely on traditional parental assistance.
“The use of student loans and educational credit schemes in most countries around the world is frequently justified on the grounds that it ensures greater access to higher education for less privileged citizens,” he said.
“It is also based on the idea that education is an investment in human capital, which promotes individual development, economic growth, and national productivity.”
“After several years of failed attempts by successive administrations to introduce students loans, scholarships, and other educational credit schemes, the 9th National Assembly passed the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2023, which was recently signed into law by the president to provide the legal and institutional framework for the country’s implementation of a Students Loan Scheme.”
“While the objectives and intent of the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 are patriotic and would impact positive access to higher education in Nigeria, particularly among underprivileged citizens, there are several critical omissions and identifiable bottlenecks that would stymie or frustrate the Act’s successful implementation if immediate additional legislative action is not taken to ensure its efficient implementation.”
“While the intent of the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 is highly commendable, and its enactment has been well received by a large segment of the general public, particularly Nigerian youths, the identified and observable flaws have the potential to stymie its smooth implementation for the overall benefit of Nigerian students.”
“A legislative summit with all key stakeholders is urgently needed to develop a strategy to ensure the smooth implementation of the Act for the benefit of indigent Nigerian students.”
Mismob Media