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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered federal tertiary institutions in Nigeria to stop increasing students’ school fees. The aim is to prevent parents and students from facing difficulties in paying fees during times of economic hardship. Tinubu has also removed restrictions on the students’ loan, making it more accessible to those who need it. The government is also providing food and cash transfers to vulnerable students. Tinubu continues to prioritize education, improve welfare for staff, and invest in infrastructure. The removal of restrictions on the loan brings relief to students who previously had to meet strict criteria to access it.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed federal tertiary institutions nationwide to immediately stop increasing students’ school fees.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on Communication and Strategy, the president stated that the order aims to alleviate the financial difficulties faced by parents and students due to the country’s economic circumstances.
The president’s special adviser also revealed that all restrictions on students’ loans have been removed to ensure easy accessibility.
The statement reads as follows:
“In order to fulfill the promise of ensuring that no Nigerian student abandons their education due to financial constraints, President Tinubu has also approved the removal of all restrictions on students’ loans, making them available to any student or household that may require it.
“Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed all federal higher learning institutions to avoid arbitrary increases in miscellaneous fees and, where possible, defer further increases to minimize difficulties faced by parents and students.
“While it is important to note that President Tinubu has already directed the release of over 200,000 metric tonnes of grains to families in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is also working towards providing vulnerable students with conditional cash transfers and food distribution.
“The federal government commends the courage, wisdom, and partnership of Nigerian students during this challenging time.
“President Tinubu will continue to prioritize education and the needs of students, improve the welfare of teaching and non-academic staff, and invest in infrastructure to enhance global competitiveness of our higher learning institutions.”
Prior to this announcement, the students’ loan scheme, which was recently passed into law by the Senate, had several criteria that had to be met in order to access the loan.
The removal of these restrictions is expected to provide relief to students. Previously, applicants had to satisfy the following conditions:
- Secure admission into a public Nigerian university, polytechnic, College of Education, or TVET school
- Have an annual income or family income less than N500,000
- Provide at least two civil servants as guarantors, who must be at least level 12 in service or a lawyer with at least 10 years of experience, a judicial officer, or a Justice of Peace
- Not have defaulted on previous loans or been found guilty of exam malpractice, felony, or drug offenses
- Not be the child of parents who have defaulted on previous loans
- Submit applications through the Students Affairs Office of their respective institution, accompanied by a cover letter signed by the Vice Chancellor, Rector, or head of the institution and student affairs
- Commence loan repayment two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps program
- Repay through direct deduction of 10% of the beneficiary’s salary by the employer or, if self-employed, remit 10% of total profit monthly to the designated students’ loan account
