Tinubu signs amended Student Loan Bill into law
…Promises inclusive education
In a move to enhance educational opportunities for Nigerian students, President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law on Wednesday, affirming the government’s commitment to facilitating access to education for Nigerian students.
The signing ceremony which held at the State House, Aso Rock, Abuja was witnessed by key figures, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Accompanying them were the Minister for Education, Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, and the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, along with various government officials and presidential aides.
President Tinubu’s endorsement of the student loan bill in June 2023 laid the groundwork for providing financial support to students pursuing tertiary education.
However, the bill’s implementation encountered initial delays attributed to multifaceted challenges hindering its execution.
Commending the National Assembly, the President lauded the swift handling of the crucial education bill aimed at empowering the children of Nigeria. He emphasised education as a potent weapon against poverty, the President underscored the government’s determination to prioritise education, including robust skills development programs.
He underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and educational empowerment of Nigerian youths.
The president said, “First of all, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their expeditious handling of this bill considering the children of Nigeria, that education is the tool to fight against poverty effectively.
“We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country, including skills development programmes. This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.
“We are here because we are all educated and were helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of college and give up the opportunity. That is no more, the standard and the control is there for you to apply no matter who you are as long as you are a Nigerian citizen.”
This progression followed individual deliberations by the National Assembly’s committees on tertiary institutions and TETFund.
