The Federal Government’s (FG) much-anticipated Nigerian Students Loan Scheme has been postponed indefinitely. This news comes as a disappointment to many students and their families who were eagerly awaiting its launch.
The announcement was made by Akintunde Sawyer, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), during an interview with ARISE NEWS. Sawyer stated that the postponement is due to “corrections that are being made around the launch.”
Uncertain Timeline:
Unfortunately, no specific reason for the delay or a revised launch date were provided. Sawyer acknowledged the frustration this may cause, stating, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to commit to a specific date.”
A History of Delays:
This postponement marks the latest setback for the program. Initially slated for launch in September-October 2023, the scheme was pushed back to January 2024.
Student Concerns:
The indefinite delay is likely to raise concerns among students, particularly those facing financial constraints in pursuing higher education. Many students were hopeful that the interest-free loans would ease the burden of educational costs.
Information Gap Creates Frustration:
The lack of details surrounding the reasons for the postponement and a revised timeline are also causing frustration. Students and stakeholders are left with unanswered questions regarding the program’s future.
Looking Ahead:
The FG has yet to comment on the next steps for the Students Loan Scheme. Many Nigerians are eager for further clarification on the reasons for the delay and a concrete timeline for its launch.
