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Give N50bn Budgeted For Loan To Students As Grant – ASUU Tells FG

Published

2 years ago

December 16, 2023

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has asked the Federal Government to give the 50 billion naira budgeted for loan scheme to students as grants.

President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke made this call in an interview on Channels Television on Friday.

Osodeke noted the burden of paying back the loan in a country where jobs are not guaranteed after graduation as the reason for the Union’s suggestion.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the student loan bill into law on June 12.

The law is to provide easy access to higher education for indigent Nigerians through interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Tinubu in October announced that the scheme would commence in January 2024, with the Federal Government voting N50bn for the programme in the 2024 budget.

But, the ASUU president said allocating the 50 billion naira as grants would have had more impact and be a humane investment in the education of Nigerian students.

He said, “If the issue is just N50 billion, why can’t we convert that N50 billion as a country like Nigeria to grants for the children of the very poor?

“Let’s give to those who cannot afford it, not give them as a loan that becomes a liability for them before they even graduate and not sure of getting a job.

“We are thinking of the Nigerian people, those who cannot afford it, those children who are in the villages whose parents earn less than N30,000 a month,” he said.

“If it is just about 50 billion, the Nigerian government should give that 50 billion as grants to the students rather than giving it as a loan that will encumbrance them in the future and could make them start going to crime, in order to pay for this loan.”

According to Osodeke, such initiatives as student loan had failed twice before.

He berated the conditions attached to the loan, saying it is economically disadvantaged for students in rural areas.

Osodeke said, “In such a country where you easily have access to Job after graduation cannot pay it back and they are suffering, or people committing suicide. Is it in Nigeria where the children are sure that even in 10 years, you might not get the employment that they can pay back the loan?”

The ASUU president said he doubted the impact of a 50 billion naira loan, saying, “How many people will 50 billion go to as a loan?”

“Look at the conditionality, which level 12 officer will sign for the children of the poor in the village to get access to the loan? How much was budgeted this year? — 50 billion…how many people will 50 billion go to as loan?”

News

IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

Published

8 minutes ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

News

University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.

News

Fire Ravages Residential Building In Oyo

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Photo: File copy

Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire incident that ravaged a residential building in Oyo, Oyo State.

The incident occurred at Aladota, Oke-Olola Area in Oyo around 9 am on Wednesday.

The chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Akinwande said that officers of the agency were immediately mobilised to the scene once they were informed.

“The fire incident was as a result of a spark from electricity which ignited combustible materials and set the room ablaze. No casualty was recorded. The agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira,” he said.