The Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum (NYPF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the new Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill 2024 into law, describing it as a significant demonstration of government’s commitment towards empowerment of youths.
The Forum says this move when fully implemented, will foster a brighter future for the country’s young population.
It would be recalled that the Student Loan Act 2023 was signed into law by President Tinubu on 12th June, 2023, with the Act establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to supervise, coordinate, administer and monitor the management of student loans in Nigeria.
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, the President of NYPF, David Osadolor said President Tinubu has shown that he has the interest of the Nigerian youths at heart, saying it is a capacity building measure that would give more persons access to education.
According to Osadolor, President Tinubu has shown visionary leadership and unwavering dedication by removing one of the major impediments to education access, stressing that the student loan is the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria marking a historic milestone in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
‘‘Education is the bedrock of every thriving economy, and by prioritizing the accessibility of education, President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to nurturing the potential of our youth, who are undeniably the future of our great nation.
‘‘As Franklin Roosevelt once said, we cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. With the enactment of this law, President Tinubu has taken a crucial step towards ensuring that our youth are adequately prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow,’’ he said.
He urged the Federal Government to uphold accountability and transparency in the disbursement of the funds allocated for student loans, maintaining that it is imperative that these resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to benefit those in need.
Furthermore, the NYPF boss called on the Federal Government to prioritize the improvement of the quality of tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
He emphasized that quality education is essential for the nation’s development, adding that investing in the enhancement of its educational institutions is paramount.
READ ALSO: NYPF Hails President Tinubu Over Assent To New Student Loans Bill
‘‘Addressing the remuneration of tertiary institution staff salaries is equally crucial. Ensuring fair and competitive salaries for educators and support staff is fundamental to maintaining the standard of education in our country.
‘‘The Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum is committed to monitoring the utilization of the student loan funds and ensuring that they reach deserving students. Additionally, we are actively working on modalities to support outstanding students by offsetting their loans, thereby incentivizing academic excellence.
‘‘In conclusion, we once again commend President Tinubu for his bold leadership and commitment to the advancement of education in Nigeria. Together, let us continue to work towards a future where every Nigerian youth has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation,’’ the NYPF statement read.
