Nigerians React To Discrimination Against Student-Loans (Full Details)

Recent statistics from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) reveal that there are currently 263 tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Out of these, 53 are federal institutions, 63 are state-owned, and a staggering 147 are private institutions. These figures highlight a significant disparity, with private tertiary institutions outnumbering federal and state institutions combined in Nigeria….CONTINUE READING

Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Landscape: A Brief Overview

Historically, the development of tertiary education in Nigeria was primarily the responsibility of federal, regional, and state governments. However, the landscape has evolved significantly over the years. With a growing population of aspirants seeking higher education, the government found it increasingly challenging to accommodate the rising demand. To address this, private sector participation in the education sector became inevitable.

Since 1999, the Federal Government has been granting licenses to private sector promoters to establish private universities in Nigeria. This move was a recognition of the need for private institutions to complement public ones in providing quality education and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Private Institutions’ Contribution and Challenges

Private universities in Nigeria have made significant strides in the past two decades. Recent rankings by reputable bodies indicate that these institutions compete favorably with government-owned ones. They have provided students and sponsors with hope, offering stable academic calendars and timely graduation.

It’s essential to note that all these achievements have been made possible through private financing. However, despite their contributions, private institutions face discriminatory policies and practices in Nigeria.

TETFund Discrimination

One such discriminatory policy is the exclusion of private tertiary institutions from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). TETFund, established to rehabilitate and improve tertiary education in Nigeria, is financed by an education tax levied on registered companies in Nigeria. However, the funds are exclusively allocated to public institutions, neglecting private ones.

This discriminatory practice limits the benefits of TETFund to only students of public institutions. This exclusion is unfair and contradicts the fundamental goal of educating and empowering Nigerians, irrespective of the institution they attend.

A Comparison with International Standards

Comparing Nigeria’s approach to private tertiary institutions with that of other countries like the United States reveals stark differences. In the US, private universities receive significant federal funding through various programs such as research grants, technology grants, and student financial aid.

Students of private universities in the US are also eligible for federal student aid. However, in Nigeria, the recent Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024 excludes students of private tertiary institutions from benefiting from government loans.

Advocating for Change

There is an urgent need for a fair and non-discriminatory system that supports all Nigerian students, regardless of the institution they attend. Private universities in Nigeria meet accreditation requirements, provide quality infrastructure, and employ highly qualified teachers. They contribute significantly to the country’s education sector and should not be marginalized.

It is imperative that the government extends support to students of licensed private universities through student loans. Such a system would ensure that all Nigerian students have equal access to financial assistance for their education. In the end, it is Nigeria that benefits from the products of both public and private institutions.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr