Sawyerr, speaking at a strategic engagement and sensitisation session in Enugu, indicated that the inclusion of private institutions in the student loan scheme could materialize within the next three years. This pronouncement has been widely welcomed as a step towards bridging the existing gap in government support between public and private educational sectors.
Professor Adebayo, in his reaction, lauded the initiative as a "welcome step" that would promote fairness, expand access to education for a broader demographic, and alleviate the significant admission burden currently faced by public universities. He emphasized that education is a fundamental right, and all Nigerian youths, regardless of their institution type, should have equal opportunities to pursue higher education without financial impediments.
"Regardless of the type of institution they attend, education is a fundamental right of our youth, and they should have equal opportunities to pursue higher education without financial barriers,” Professor Adebayo stated. He further challenged the prevailing misconception that all private university students originate from affluent backgrounds. “Many students in private universities come from low- or middle-income backgrounds and often struggle with tuition fees. The notion that private university students are all from wealthy homes is a misconception.”
The Vice-Chancellor expressed his satisfaction with NELFUND’s assurance, stating, “I am happy to hear that NELFUND CEO, Mr Sawyerr said students in private institutions would soon be considered for loans.” He highlighted an additional benefit of this expansion: it would help decongest public institutions by encouraging more students to consider private universities, knowing that financial assistance would be accessible.
Professor Adebayo believes that in the long run, such an inclusive approach would "foster inclusive national development and ensure all Nigerian students are treated fairly, irrespective of the institutions they attend."
Beyond the student loan scheme, Professor Adebayo also appealed to the Federal Government to review the policies governing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). He advocated for the inclusion of private institutions in TETFUND's intervention programmes, arguing that while privately owned, these institutions significantly contribute to the advancement of education in Nigeria and their students are equally deserving of support.
"TETFUND has significantly supported the development of education in public institutions through its interventions,” Adebayo acknowledged. “However, private universities, though privately owned, were established to advance education in Nigeria. Their students are Nigerians too, and they deserve equitable access to such support. Private institutions should also be considered in the disbursement of TETFUND interventions, as they contribute meaningfully to the national education landscape.”
The potential expansion of both the student loan scheme and TETFUND interventions to private tertiary institutions signals a significant shift in government policy, one that could lead to a more equitable and accessible higher education landscape for all Nigerian students.