NUC, NANS Fault ASUU On Students Loan Scheme

The National Universities Commission, (NUC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have faulted the position of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the Education Loan Scheme.

Recall that the University Lecturers said that the proposed loan was a way of starving public universities of funding and a ploy to divert public funds into private universities owned by politicians and their friends.

However, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki said that private institutions in the country are nowhere involved in the implementation of the scheme.

The NUC boss who was speaking on Thursday evening during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, stated the people that have been appointed to oversee the implementation were highly qualified Nigerians who will not at any point compromise.

“On the issue of the wild allegation that there is going to be diversion of funds to private pockets, I want to disabuse your mind. Private Universities are not even involved in the implementation. NUC is part and parcel of the incubation process of the loan fund. To conclude prima facie that funds will be diverted, I think is a big disservice to the people that have been entrusted with the responsibility,” he said.

Maiyaki who disclosed that the scheme will be formally launched next week, stated that beneficiaries of the loan will be students who are in need of the fund.

Also, NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde, disagreed with the assertion by ASUU that loan scheme would keep the beneficiaries perpetually indebted.

He stated that contrary to ASUU’s assertions, the scheme represents a ray of hope for many students, especially those facing financial hardship.

“If ASUU has any genuine concerns or reservations about the programme, it should address them openly and transparently. It is time for ASUU to prioritise the interests of students and support initiatives that will benefit the entire student community.”

Babatunde said it was disheartening for ASUU to oppose a programme dedicated to providing much-needed relief to countless students.

“ASUU’s attempts to speak on behalf of students regarding the Student Loan Programme are unwarranted and unacceptable. Students are perfectly capable of voicing their own opinions and advocating for their own interests. ASUU should not speak for students without consulting them directly,” he added.