The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Timothy Adebayo, has lauded the Federal Government’s intention to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme to students in private tertiary institutions. This proposed expansion, hinted at by NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, during a stakeholder engagement session in Enugu, is envisioned to be implemented within the next three years. Professor Adebayo believes this move represents a significant step towards bridging the disparity between public and private tertiary institutions, particularly in terms of access to government support and resources. He argues that the initiative will foster fairness, broaden access to higher education, and alleviate the admission pressure currently faced by public universities.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasizes that access to education is a fundamental right for all Nigerian youth, irrespective of the type of institution they attend. He underscores that financial barriers should not impede the pursuit of higher education and that the existing student loan scheme, while commendable for its support to students in public institutions, must also address the financial challenges faced by students in private universities. Professor Adebayo dispels the common misconception that all private university students come from affluent backgrounds, highlighting that many students in these institutions hail from low- and middle-income families who frequently struggle with the burden of tuition fees.
Professor Adebayo expressed his satisfaction with the assurance provided by NELFUND’s CEO, Mr. Sawyerr, regarding the impending inclusion of private institution students in the loan scheme. He anticipates that this expansion will significantly decongest public universities by encouraging students to consider private institutions as viable alternatives, knowing that financial assistance will be available to them. This, in turn, will promote inclusive national development and ensure equitable treatment for all Nigerian students, regardless of their chosen institution.
Beyond the student loan scheme, Professor Adebayo advocates for a broader policy review concerning the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). He calls on the Federal Government to revise the current TETFUND guidelines to allow private institutions to benefit from its intervention programs. Professor Adebayo acknowledges the substantial contribution of TETFUND to the development of education in public institutions but maintains that private universities, despite being privately owned, play a vital role in advancing education in Nigeria. He emphasizes that students in these institutions are also Nigerian citizens deserving of equitable access to such support.
The Vice-Chancellor believes that including private institutions in TETFUND disbursements is not only fair but strategically important. He argues that these institutions contribute significantly to the national education landscape and therefore warrant a share of the available resources. By extending TETFUND’s reach to encompass private universities, the government can further strengthen the overall quality and capacity of the Nigerian education system, benefiting students across the board.
Professor Adebayo’s advocacy for the inclusion of private tertiary institutions in both the NELFUND scheme and TETFUND interventions reflects a broader push for equity and inclusivity in Nigerian higher education. His arguments rest on the fundamental principle that access to education is a right for all, regardless of socioeconomic background or institutional affiliation. By addressing the financial constraints faced by students in private universities, the government can unlock the full potential of these institutions, contributing to a more robust and diverse higher education sector. This will ultimately benefit the nation as a whole by fostering a more educated and skilled workforce capable of driving national development.
