The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the removal of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from the board overseeing the new Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The demand was made during a visit by NANS leaders to President Bola Tinubu, who recently signed the student loan bill into law.
The NANS delegation, led by its National President, Umar Barambu, urged President Tinubu to review the composition of the special committee overseeing the loan fund. They emphasized the need for student representatives to be included on the board and expressed concern over the inclusion of certain organizations, such as ASUU, which already operates its own microfinance bank.
Barambu stated, “ASUU has its own microfinance bank running their own affairs without students on their board. So, I don’t think it’s wise for us to allow them to be inside our own board because it is purely students.”
In response, President Tinubu assured the NANS leaders that their requests would be considered. However, he emphasized the importance of unity among NANS members nationwide to achieve their objectives. Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring that all Nigerian children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
He stated, “Poverty should not prevent anybody, any child, including the daughter or son of a wood seller, ‘boli’ (plantain) seller, or yam seller from attaining their highest standard of education, to eliminate poverty.”
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the students for their support in the removal of petrol subsidies, highlighting the need to curb smuggling and redirect resources towards education. He assured them of his administration’s dedication to investing in education as a means to combat poverty and uplift the nation.
The NANS leaders’ visit to President Tinubu serves as an effort to advocate for student representation in the decision-making process regarding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. Their demand for the removal of ASUU from the board underscores their belief that student-oriented organizations should play a pivotal role in shaping policies that directly affect students’ welfare and access to education.
