Student Loan Program To Commence In Three Weeks,

Student Loan Program To Commence In Three Weeks,

Gbajabiamila Discloses The anticipated Federal Student Loan Scheme is set to kick off within the next two to three weeks, as revealed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu….READ ALSO 

Gbajabiamila made this disclosure during a meeting with a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Lucky Emonefe, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He assured that final preparations were underway to ensure a smooth launch and implementation of the policy. Furthermore, he encouraged students to advocate for and counter criticisms against the Student Loan initiative, emphasizing its goal of providing equal access to quality education for every student, regardless of their background.

Gbajabiamila stated, “Mr. President is committed to seeing it through and ensuring its successful implementation. It was initially slated for launch in January, but as with anything worth doing, it is worth doing well.

“We anticipate its launch within the next two to three weeks, as we are diligently finalizing the necessary details to ensure the policies are robust and faultless.”

The President’s Chief of Staff emphasized that the successful rollout of the student loan program would be one of the enduring legacies of the current administration.

He called on Nigerians to lend their support to ensure that no deserving student in need of the loan is left behind.

Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of public backing for the policy’s success, acknowledging dissenting voices. He reiterated that the initiative aims to guarantee equal educational opportunities for all Nigerian students, thereby countering any unjust denial based on birth circumstances.

“It is imperative that the children of the less privileged are not deprived of what should be their right; education should not be a privilege but a fundamental right.

“So, when voices rise against it, we expect your support and solidarity. This is a cause you should all champion, embrace, and strive for its success,” Gbajabiamila added.

The President’s Chief of Staff assured students that the government is actively working to forestall potential strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and is addressing issues raised by the union.

He noted that President Tinubu has issued directives aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by academic unions in universities and higher institutions.

“We are cognizant of a possible ASUU strike, and we are working towards addressing it. We are addressing the concerns raised by ASUU, and I believe we can avert the strike; as you mentioned earlier, we can always strive to prevent such strikes. Fortunately, we have a President who is resolute in putting an end to strike actions. We are optimistic about averting any impending strikes,” he affirmed.