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The vice chancellor of the Joseph Ayodele Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, in Osun State, Olasebikan Fakulojo, has called on the federal government to include students in private universities in the student loan scheme.<\/p>\n
At a media briefing heralding the week-long 15th convocation ceremony of the institution, Mr. Fakulojo said exempting the students in the private universities from the loan scheme is an act of injustice.<\/p>\n
\u201cNigerian students in private universities have the same citizenship rights as those in public universities. They must enjoy benefits available to all Nigerian students and should be allowed to apply for these loans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The federal government began the students\u2019 loan scheme this year through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The scheme started with applicants from public tertiary institutions.<\/p>\n
The vice chancellor expressed concerns about why private university students are excluded from the scheme.<\/p>\n
Mr. Fakulojo also explained that students in private universities \u201chave the same citizenship rights as those in public universities. They must enjoy benefits available to all Nigerian students and should be allowed to apply for these loans.\u201d<\/p>\n
He specifically urged the federal government not to disregard the students of private institutions in the loan, saying they are also part of the country\u2019s educational system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you check the Loan Scheme Act, it is titled Nigerian University Student Loan Scheme, not Nigerian Public University Student Loan Scheme. This indicates that private university students are not excluded.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrivate universities are businesses that pay assessed taxes, unlike public universities. These taxes, along with other public revenues, fund the subsidized zero-interest loans. Therefore, it is unjust for private university students to be denied access to these loans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr. Fakulojo said the students are assets to the country, and any loan offered to them would be paid back and not for properties of private universities.<\/p>\n
The VC, however, called on the federal government to expand the loan to include students in the private higher institutions in the country, most especially in the interest of equity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere could be a maximum loan amount set due to the varying tuition fees across universities. For instance, the government could cap the loan at\u20a6500,000 or\u20a61 million, depending on the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, on this basis, I strongly believe that the government should revisit this issue and ensure the loan facility is made available to students in both public and private universities,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Source<\/strong>: People\u2019s Gazette<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Score 300 and above with Exam Scholars JAMB CBT Practice Software: Free Download and More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n