The President, National Association of Nigerian Students, Usman Barambu has called on the House of Representatives to amend the Student Loan Act to ease its access by Nigerian students.
He made the statement at the legislative summit on student loans and access to higher education organised by the ad-hoc committee on Thursday in Abuja.
The national students’ leader noted the absence of student members on the board of the Students’ Loan, adding that the polytechnics and colleges of education should be equally represented, in addition to the National Universities Commission.
As contained in the Act, students are required to repay their loans two years after completion of the compulsory National Youth Service Corps.
However, Barambu questioned the deadline by saying that “it should be revised to 4 to 5 years,” adding that the Act made no provision of “forgiveness” in case a defaulter dies.
He said, “Student loan is for us, and in the board, no student representation on the board. The board only captured NUC sidelining the polytechnic and colleges of education, they should all be inclusive for fairness and equity.
“Also, the method of payment should be looked into as most students are not able to find their ground financially two years after graduation, it should be revised to 4 to 5 years. The act also gives no room for forgiveness in cases of death, especially for security officers. That should also be looked into.”
