The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has urged for the Student Loan Act to be amended.

According to the Gist House, President Bola Tinubu signed the student loan measure into law in June.

The bill, proposed by former House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, was intended to overcome the financial barriers that young Nigerians experience in obtaining higher-quality education.

Speaking during a legislative conference on student loans and access to higher education organized by the House ad hoc committee in Abuja on Thursday, NANS president Usman Barambu urged for student representation on the board to be included.

He also advocated for the inclusion of polytechnics and colleges of education on the board rather than the previously captured National University Commission (NUC).

“We need student loans, but there is no student representation on the board.” The board only included NUC, leaving out polytechnic and educational colleges, which should all be included for fairness and equity.

“Because most students will be unable to find financial footing two years after graduation, the payment method should be revised to four to five years.”

“Forgiveness should also be considered in cases of death.”