Members of the Nigerian community in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom have called for the inclusion of students studying abroad in the student loan scheme.

The National Assembly enacted the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act in 2023 and was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 13, 2023.

The scheme will offer interest-free loans to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Tinubu, is however, expected to launch the programme on March 14, 2023.

Representing the community members in a meeting with the acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Cyprian Heen, on Saturday, Tunmise Ajiboye urged him on Saturday to advocate for the inclusion of students in foreign countries in the government’s loan scheme.

In a statement on Sunday by Ajiboye, he noted that enabling students abroad to participate in the loan scheme would contribute to improving access to higher education for Nigerians studying overseas.

He also urged the government to support students regarding exchange rates and foreign exchange, ensuring they can access favourable rates and assist in managing their financial needs.

The statement partly read, “As a representative of Nigerians living here in the United Kingdom, we are gathered here not just as individuals seeking education and economic breakthroughs but as a collective voice demanding support and recognition from our government back home.

“Therefore, today, we stand united in calling upon the Nigerian government to make the following requests:

“Diaspora voting; international passport renewal delivery by post in Nigeria and the diaspora; Support for the students in the exchange rate and FX; Inclusion of Nigerians studying abroad in the proposed student loan programme of the federal government.

“Lastly, provide a platform for Nigerians living abroad who may want their children to get Nigeria’s state of origin.”

Ajiboye, however, called on the FG to consider Nigerians in the diaspora when coming up with policies.

He said, “We are ambassadors of our country, representing the aspirations and potential of our nation.

It is important for the Nigerian government to always factor in, Nigerians in the diaspora in all their policy formulation, planning, and execution for a productive sense of belonging and pace of development.”