The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) had expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the student loan bill. The national president of NANS, Lucky Emonefe in an interview with our reporter said the amendment of the bills has eliminated all previous stringent conditions for accessing the loan. He explained that with this new bill, no Nigerian is expected to sight financial constrain as the reason for not pursuing essential education. That there is no charges in higher institution that will drive any Nigerian student out of school.
NANS president Lucky Emonefe further explained that whether you are from the rich or the poor you will have access to quality education in Nigeria and in addition, it does not always cover those in higher institutions alone, but there is vocational training for those who want to acquire Skills. He expressed gladness that there is no more criteria of your parents earning high money or having a guarantor who is a lawyer with 10 years experience, but if you are a student, a Nigerian, and have been admitted by any higher institution and you have your NIN, then you can access the student loan.
The president of the National Association of Nigeria Students, Lucky Emonefe further threw more light on the repayment conditions after the National Youth service Corps (NYSC). He said before now, after two years, you are to pay back whether employed or not. But now, two years after your NYSC and you are employed, before you can start paying back. But if two years after NYSC you are not employed, then you can go to court, swear an affidavit that you are not employed, they will give you more time. Lucky Emonefe however appealed to the loan disbursing body and those that will be given the responsibility, to be patriotic and committed in the actual implementation and using of these fund for the benefits of Nigerian students and for the development of our education sector.
Also, the national secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students Bariereka David call on the youths in Rivers State to take advantage of the student loan bills to access essential educational and vocational opportunities. He said financial challenges have led most students to engage in some social vices like cultism, killing, armrubery and many more. He said the loan can serve for house rent, school fees and for pocket money. He however urge Rivers students to embrace this opportunity.
