The Student Loan Scheme Conundrum: Should Private Institution Students be Excluded?

The debate raises important questions about equity, fairness, and the role of government support in education. Should private institution students be excluded from the student loan scheme, or should they be included to promote greater access to tertiary education?

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) were established to support the education sector, particularly at the tertiary level. However, a contentious issue has arisen regarding the exclusion of private institutions and their students from these schemes. While some argue that this exclusion is justified, others believe it is unfair and discriminatory.

Proponents of the exclusion argue that the schemes are designed to support disadvantaged students and redistribute wealth in society. They contend that students in private institutions are not considered poor, and their parents can afford the tuition fees. Moreover, the high tuition fees in private universities could support multiple students in public universities.

On the other hand, critics argue that private institutions and their students should not be excluded. They point out that private institutions pay taxes and produce graduates who contribute to society. Additionally, parents of students in private institutions are also taxpayers and should not be denied access to these schemes.

Prominent figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Prof. Clement Kolawole, Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, have expressed support for including private institution students in the loan scheme. They emphasize that these students' parents are taxpayers and deserve equal access to these benefits.

The debate raises important questions about equity, fairness, and the role of government support in education. Should private institution students be excluded from the student loan scheme, or should they be included to promote greater access to tertiary education? The answer to this question has significant implications for the future of education in Nigeria.

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