What’s next for the newly adopted student loan act?

Some months back, we broke down in bits all the nitty gritty details of the newly signed student loan act. We helped you fully understand just what the government had put into law and what it meant for Nigerian students. Today, we bring you an update as to when the official commencement of this act will take place.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act 2023 into law on Monday, June 12, which was a significant decision. He fulfilled his promise by starting a test student loan program. The program aims to help more people access education, regardless of their background.

The “Student Loan Act” aims to provide Nigerian students in college with interest-free loans. Additionally, the Act establishes an Education Loan Fund, designed to assist Nigerians in funding their higher education interests.

On June 14, 2023, the government promised to prepare for the student loan program to start between September and October 2023. Since the announcement, there has been no updates or progress on the scheme.

Of course, we know the government has been working tirelessly to see this bill come into play. Good things take time after all.

Many people may have expected the delay in commencement, but the recent tuition hikes at many higher institutions were unexpected. Students and parents from the affected higher institutions have expressed worry and anxiety as the combination of increased tuition costs and the postponed introduction of the loan program has created financial instability amongst many. Coupled with the many other hikes in various spheres of the Nation.

Many Nigerians are skeptical about the bill’s implementation, given the government’s history of poor follow-through. This skepticism is understandable. President Tinubu announced that the government will start giving student loans to Nigerians in January 2024.

At a summit in Abuja, the President announced plans to expand the student loan program to help Nigerians, easing their difficulties and reaffirming his commitment to this goal.

David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed that the Nigerian government will begin offering student loans in the 2023/2024 school year. This announcement was made during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans.

However, he dismissed rumors that federal universities have increased fees following the enactment of the Students Loan Act. We beg to differ.

As we await more action and less talking from the Government, we keep our fingers crossed and hope the implementation is more effective than we expect.

Now, fellow Nigerians, the ball is in your court. Share your thoughts on the latest update, we’d love to know what you think about the student loan act. Do we just stick to fast loan apps for educational loans or consider the Government’s new initiative. Send us a message now at support@irorun.com.